Get ready for an exciting swim meet! The 2026 Pro Swim Series in Westmont, Illinois, is about to kick off, and we've got some intriguing developments to discuss. A high-profile scratch has left many wondering about the strategy behind it.
Destin Lasco, a former NCAA record-breaker in the 200 backstroke, has decided to withdraw from the A-Final of the men's 200 back at the Pro Swim Series. Lasco, a versatile swimmer, has been shifting his focus towards freestyle events in long-course competitions. He's a member of the 2025 World Championships team and has proven his prowess in various strokes. But here's where it gets controversial: Lasco scratched from both the 200 back and 200 IM at last year's U.S. Trials, opting for the 100 free semi-finals instead. This strategic move raises questions about his event priorities and race tactics.
And this is the part most people miss: Lasco's decision to scratch isn't an isolated incident. David Gerchik, an Israeli national training at Northwestern University, also withdrew from the race despite having no other events scheduled for that evening. Gerchik's situation is unique, as he's likely preparing for an NCAA Championship invite in the coming weeks. With a short commute between Westmont and Northwestern's campus, he might be conserving energy for his upcoming championship.
The beneficiaries of these scratches are Michael Long from Wisconsin and Jaques Harrison from Canada, who now advance to the A-Final. However, the fastest swimmer in prelims, Yeziel Morales from Puerto Rico, still has some tough competition ahead, including Canada's Blake Tierney and France's Leon Marchand, who were the top two seeds entering the race.
Other notable scratches on Day 1 include Kayla Han, a 17-year-old member of the USA Swimming National Team, who opted out of the B-Final of the women's 200 back to focus on the timed finals of the 800 free. Addie Rose Bullock moved up to take Han's spot in the 200 back, while Laura Sofia Melo scratched from the B Final of the women's 50 fly.
So, what do you think? Are these scratches strategic moves or signs of fatigue? Could there be other factors at play? Share your thoughts in the comments below! We'd love to hear your insights on these intriguing decisions.
