Nikita Sheremet Continues Strong Form at Pro Swim Series

Swimmers set new personal bests and approach national records at Westmont meet

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

The 2026 Pro Swim Series stop in Westmont, Illinois saw several notable swims, including Nikita Sheremet slicing 0.13 seconds off his personal best in the 50 freestyle. Other standout performances came from Luke Barr in the 200 IM, Breeja Larson in the 50 breaststroke, and Uros Zivanovic and Anna Peplowski improving their personal bests in the 50 breaststroke and 100 backstroke respectively.

Why it matters

The Pro Swim Series serves as an important tune-up for top swimmers ahead of major national and international competitions. These strong early-season swims indicate the swimmers are in good form and could be poised for big performances later in the year.

The details

Nikita Sheremet, the world junior record holder in the 50 freestyle, swam 21.62 to finish second behind Chris Guiliano's meet record of 21.43. Sheremet's time was just 0.25 seconds off the Ukrainian national record. Luke Barr, a versatile swimmer from Indiana, shaved 0.06 seconds off his 200 IM best, hitting the halfway mark over a second faster than his previous best. Breeja Larson, a 2012 Olympic gold medalist, returned to competition for the first time in nearly two years, posting the 5th fastest 50 breaststroke time in prelims. Uros Zivanovic and Anna Peplowski also improved their personal bests in the 50 breaststroke and 100 backstroke respectively.

  • Nikita Sheremet's previous best time of 21.75 was set last summer.
  • Luke Barr's previous 200 IM best of 2:00.37 was set three years ago.
  • Breeja Larson's last long course meet was nearly two years ago.

The players

Nikita Sheremet

A Louisville freshman who is the world junior record holder in the 50 freestyle in both short course and long course.

Luke Barr

A versatile swimmer who made his name at Indiana, competing in backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly events.

Breeja Larson

A 2012 Olympic gold medalist on the women's 4x100 medley relay, returning to competition for the first time in nearly two years.

Uros Zivanovic

A swimmer who transferred from Georgia Tech to Auburn and improved his 50 breaststroke personal best.

Anna Peplowski

A swimmer who dipped under 1:00 in the 100 backstroke for the first time, improving her best time by 0.24 seconds.

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What they’re saying

“Nikita Sheremet set a new best time in the 50 free, as the World Junior Record holder continued his great form over the last few months”

— Sam Blacker, Author (swimswam.com)

The takeaway

These strong early-season swims from top swimmers like Sheremet, Barr, Larson, Zivanovic, and Peplowski suggest they are in peak form heading into the heart of the season and could be poised for big performances at upcoming national and international competitions.