Get ready for a splash of excitement as the 2025 Swimming World Cup heats up in Westmont, Illinois! But here’s where it gets controversial: with rivalries brewing, records on the line, and swimmers pushing the limits, this stop promises to be more than just a competition—it’s a battle for supremacy. Here’s what you need to keep an eye on as the action unfolds from October 17-19, 2025.
1. The McKeown/Smith Rivalry: Who Will Reign Supreme?
The pool isn’t just about water—it’s about pride, strategy, and sheer determination. American Regan Smith and Australian Kaylee McKeown are two of the most dominant backstroke swimmers of their generation, and their rivalry is nothing short of electrifying. In Carmel, Smith narrowly edged out McKeown in the 100 backstroke by a mere 13 hundredths of a second, but McKeown struck back with a commanding win in the 200 backstroke, shattering Smith’s World Cup record in the process. And this is the part most people miss: despite their friendly off-pool interactions, like bonding with fellow athletes at the Chicago Bulls’ training facility, the competition between these two is fierce. With McKeown holding a slim .1-point lead, Westmont could be the stage for another epic showdown. Will Smith defend her records on home soil, or will McKeown solidify her dominance? Place your bets—this rivalry is far from over.
2. Gretchen Walsh: The Record-Breaking Machine
When Gretchen Walsh steps onto the block, records tremble. After shattering her own world record in the 50 butterfly at Carmel, the question isn’t if she’ll break another record, but how many. Walsh’s performance in the 100 butterfly was equally jaw-dropping, as she obliterated both the World Cup and U.S. Open records in the prelims before finishing over 1.2 seconds ahead of her competitors in the finals. Here’s the kicker: she’s still nearly a full second off her own 2024 world record in the event. With four more opportunities to rewrite history during this World Cup, Walsh is a must-watch. But can she keep up this unstoppable momentum, or will the pressure finally catch up? Let the debate begin.
3. Hubert Kos: The Unstoppable Backstroke King
Hubert Kos is in a league of his own. After sweeping all three backstroke events in Carmel with staggering ease, the Olympic champion has established himself as the man to beat. His 50 backstroke performance—a blistering 22.65, the fastest time ever on American soil—left competitors like Estonia’s Ralf Tribuntsov in the dust. But here’s the controversial take: is Kos truly unbeatable? While Italy’s Thomas Ceccon and Poland’s Kacper Stokowski are formidable, they’ve yet to come close to dethroning the king. With a nearly three-point lead in the overall standings, Kos seems untouchable. But in swimming, anything can happen. Could an underdog rise to challenge him, or is Kos destined to dominate the World Cup?
4. Mollie O’Callaghan: The Australian Freestyle Phenom
Mollie O’Callaghan is on the verge of greatness. After claiming gold in the 200 freestyle at Carmel with the third-fastest time in history (1:50.77), she’s just four tenths of a second away from Siobhan Haughey’s 2021 world record. And this is the part most people miss: O’Callaghan’s splits in the 200 freestyle were faster than Haughey’s record pace at the 50-meter and 150-meter marks. If she can maintain her speed through the middle of the race, a new world record could be hers. But will she crack under pressure, or will she etch her name into history books? One thing’s for sure: when O’Callaghan dives in, all eyes will be on her.
As the Westmont stop approaches, the stage is set for record-breaking performances, heated rivalries, and unforgettable moments. But here’s the question we’re all asking: Who will rise to the top, and who will be left in the wake? Share your predictions in the comments—let’s dive into the debate!
