The 2026 PRO SWIM SERIES in Austin, Texas, is set to kick off with a bang, but a few surprises are in store. The revised heat sheets reveal a number of high-profile withdrawals, leaving fans and swimmers alike with questions. Here's a breakdown of the key changes and the reasons behind them.
Big Names Missing
The most notable absence is that of US National Teamers Hunter Armstrong and Grant House. Armstrong, a two-time Olympian and three-time Olympic relay medalist, has been racing sparingly since the Paris Olympics, citing financial hardship as the reason for his hiatus. He missed the World Championship Trials in 2025 and only briefly raced at the U.S. Open in December, finishing 14th in the 50 free and 50 back. In Austin, he was scheduled to compete in multiple events, including the 50 free, 100 back, 50 fly, 50 back, and 100 free.
Grant House, another US National Team member, has also pulled out of the meet. His withdrawal is less clear, as he recently posted a video of a "speed practice" at Arizona State. House had five entries in the meet, including 5th in the 200 IM and 6th in the 100 fly.
Other Withdrawals
Several other swimmers have also withdrawn from the meet, including:
- Addison Bitel, a 17-year-old from Laker Swim in Florida, who was the #5 seed in the women's 50 and 100 meter breaststroke fields, and 6th in the 200 breast.
- Brynn Lavigueur, Bitel's teammate, the #6 seed in the 50 back and #7 seed in the 100 back.
- Natalie Bradac, a 16-year-old from the University of Denver Hilltoppers club team, the #9 seed in the 100 breast.
Last-Minute Additions
Despite the withdrawals, there were some last-minute additions to the meet entries. Breaststrokers Luke Barr and Mitch Mason, both training with Coley Stickels' pro group at Texas Ford Aquatics, were added to the 100 breaststroke field, taking the #7 and #8 seeds, respectively. Barr also has high seeds in the 50 fly, 100 fly, and 50 back.
French International Scratch
The most significant scratch from the final psych sheet is French international Pauline Mahieu. She was the #2 seed in the 100 back but has scratched the meet entirely. Her recent Instagram posts and stories suggest a change of scenery, with no clear indication of her future plans.
Women's 1500 Free Scratch
The women's 1500 free field has also seen some scratches, with the #2, #3, and #4 seeds absent. Claire Weinstein, Ashley Twichell, and Caroline Pennington are all missing from the heat sheets, leaving only the 8 fastest swimmers in the field.
Kato Trinquesse Scratch
Kato Trinquesse, another Denver Hilltopper, has dropped out of the women's 100 breaststroke field, taking the #7 seed after her teammate withdrew. These withdrawals and additions have left the meet with a mix of familiar and unexpected faces, leaving fans and swimmers alike with plenty to discuss and analyze.
