The Westmont Sectionals, held from July 9-12, 2026, at the FMC Natatorium in Westmont, Illinois, was a spectacle of swimming prowess, with several standout performances that left spectators in awe. Among the highlights, 14-year-old Elliot Leasure emerged as a rising star, clocking a 2:02.93 in the boys' 200 backstroke, a time that not only secured his victory but also placed him fourth all-time in the 13-14 age group. This achievement is particularly remarkable given that Leasure already holds the 100 back national age group record.
What makes Leasure's performance even more impressive is the fact that he has been consistently breaking records and setting new standards. His 2:02.66 from last month, which now sits at #4 all-time in the 13-14 age group, is a testament to his growing dominance in the sport. The question now is whether he can maintain this momentum and continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in swimming.
Another standout performer was Jackson Kogler, who dropped a second off his best time to win the 200 IM in a 2:05.69. Kogler, a Wyoming swimmer, entered the day with a lifetime best of 2:06.40 from last summer, and his performance at the Westmont Sectionals not only secured his victory but also highlighted his potential for future success.
Brody Engelstad, an Indiana commit for this fall, won the 50 free in a 22.71, just 0.03 off his lifetime best. Engelstad's performance was particularly impressive given that he entered the summer with a lifetime best of 22.89, which he swam in 2024. This achievement underscores his consistent growth and development as a swimmer.
On the girls' side, Payton Flowers stood out with her 25.78 in the 50 free, which dropped from her previous best of 26.09 that she swam in May 2025 at the AP Race London International. Flowers, who just finished her freshman season at Iowa, has shown remarkable progress and has the potential to become a force to be reckoned with in the future.
The 200 IM was a close race, with Mckenzie Vasquez earning the win in a 2:18.90, just ahead of Maddie Waggoner's 2:18.97. Vasquez dropped 0.62 off her best time, while Waggoner dropped 1.19 off her lifetime best from last summer. This achievement highlights the competitive nature of the event and the potential for future improvements.
Tatiana Salcutan, a 25-year-old who spent her collegiate career at South Carolina, won the 200 back in a 2:14.75. Salcutan holds all three backstroke national records for Moldova, and her performance at the Westmont Sectionals not only secured her victory but also highlighted her exceptional talent and potential.
Grace Swoboda, who won the 100 breast earlier this week, won the 50 breast in a 31.85. Her performance underscores her versatility and consistency as a swimmer, and it will be interesting to see how she continues to develop in the future.
In conclusion, the Westmont Sectionals was a showcase of swimming excellence, with several standout performances that highlighted the potential for future success. As the sport continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how these young athletes continue to push the boundaries of what is possible and to witness the impact they will have on the sport in the years to come.
