A surprising twist in the pool! Several top swimmers, including prominent names like Jack Alexy and Shaine Casas, have withdrawn from the 200 free B final at the 2026 Pro Swim Series in Austin. Let's dive into the details of who scratched and why.
2026 PRO SWIM SERIES – AUSTIN
- Dates: January 14-17, 2026
- Location: Austin, Texas
- Venue: Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center
- Pool Type: LCM (50 meters)
For those wanting to stay updated, here are some helpful links:
- Psych Sheet
- How to Watch
- Live Results
- Live Recaps
- Prelims: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3
- Finals: Day 1 | Day 2
The Big Names Sitting Out
It's not every day you see World Championship medalists stepping back, but that's exactly what happened. Jack Alexy, the individual silver medalist from the 2025 World Championships, along with Shaine Casas, made the decision to scratch the B final of the 200 free on the third day of the Austin Pro Swim Series. But what was the reasoning behind these unexpected scratches?
Strategic Moves and Tactical Decisions
Shaine Casas, after missing his scheduled events on the first two days of the competition, is set to compete in the evening. He qualified as the top seed for the men's 50 backstroke semifinal, where the final offers double prize money. His scratch from the 200 free, where he placed 18th this morning with a time of 1:53.34, appears to be a strategic move to focus on the sprint event. This suggests a calculated approach to optimize his performance in events that offer a greater reward.
Alexy, on the other hand, will not be competing tonight. He was also a DNS (Did Not Start) in the 50 backstroke this morning. In the 200 free, he finished 12th with a time of 1:50.68. His best time in this off event comes from the U.S. Open last month, where he clocked a 1:48.68. This could indicate a shift in focus or a need for rest.
Other Notable Scratches
Joining the ranks of those withdrawing from the B final were Jack Dahlgren from Aquajets and Tiago Behar, representing ASU and Switzerland. Dahlgren also opted out of his 50 back semifinal swim, while Behar is absent from tonight’s heat sheets. This highlights how athletes sometimes have to make tough choices to manage their energy and optimize their overall performance across multiple events.
More Surprises in the Women's Events
Outside of the men's 200 free, there were relatively few scratches. The highest-ranked swimmer to withdraw was France's Analia Pigree. The 24-year-old European Champion forfeited her #3 seed in the women’s 50 backstroke semifinal. Pigrée recorded a 28.86 this morning, a couple of tenths behind runner-up Regan Smith and seven-tenths behind fellow Frenchman Beryl Gastadello. She will not compete in tonight’s finals after previously finishing 5th in the 50 free.
Full Scratch Report (A/B finals):
- Men’s 800 Freestyle: No scratches.
- Women’s 50 Breast: #8 Kia Alert (CW).
- Men’s 50 Breast: No scratches.
- Women’s 200 Free: No scratches.
- Men’s 200 Free:
- #12 Jack Alexy (CAL)
- #14 Jack Dahlgren (AQJT)
- #16 Tiago Behar (SUN)
- #18 Shaine Casas (TXLA)
- Women’s 50 Fly (semifinal): No scratches.
- Men’s 50 Fly (semifinal): No scratches.
- Women’s 400 IM: #6 Madalyn Petty (TRAC).
- Men’s 400 IM: No scratches.
- Women’s 50 Back (semifinal): #3 Analia Pigree (FRA).
- Men’s 50 Back (semifinal): No scratches.
A Strategic Game
These scratches highlight the strategic depth of competitive swimming. Athletes and their coaches often make tough decisions to balance their energy, focus, and overall goals. It's a reminder that success isn't just about showing up; it's about smart choices and strategic planning.
What are your thoughts? Do you think these scratches were the right move for these athletes? Share your opinions in the comments below!
