The 2025 World Swimming Championships are set to make waves in Singapore, with veteran swimmers like Katie Ledecky and Summer McIntosh headlining the competition.
But alongside them will be a fresh crop of young swimmers making their international debuts and showing what the future of swimming might hold, particularly for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Here are some rising stars to keep an eye on throughout the meet.
Campbell McKean – 100m Breaststroke
At just 18 years old, Campbell McKean is already breaking records in the breaststroke events. The swimmer from Bend, Oregon made history at the U.S. Open by becoming the first male swimmer under 18 to break 59 seconds in the 100m breaststroke.
McKean is seeded fourth in this event and is also a strong contender in the newly added 50m breaststroke, in which he claimed a national title over veteran Michael Andrew this year. McKean’s rise in the breaststroke events is one to watch in the coming years.
Caroline Bricker – 200m Butterfly
Caroline Bricker, a rising Stanford University junior, stunned crowds at the U.S. Open by winning the 200m butterfly national title.
Seeded fourth for the World Championships, Bricker’s incredible surge in the final lap of the race made her a surprise contender, as she surpassed Olympic gold medalists Regan Smith and Alex Shackell.
Her new lifetime best, nearly four seconds faster than her entry time, sets her up as a strong contender for a podium finish in Singapore.
Luka Mijatovic – 400m Freestyle
At just 16 years old, Luka Mijatovic is set to be the youngest American male to compete at a World Championships since Michael Phelps in 2001. The high school junior from California has already shattered records, including the 200m freestyle for his age group.
He’s seeded 11th in the 400m freestyle but has the potential to make waves on the international stage. Mijatovic’s breakout at the U.S. Open, where he finished second in the 400m freestyle, makes him a swimmer to keep an eye on as he builds his international experience.
McKenzie Siroky – 50m Breaststroke
McKenzie Siroky’s journey to the World Championships is nothing short of unique. Just three years ago, she was set to play Division I hockey, but after discovering her passion for swimming, she qualified for the Olympic Trials. Now, at the World Championships, she will compete in the 50m breaststroke, where she’s seeded fifth.
After a swim-off at the U.S. Open, where she swam a lifetime best, Siroky has a legitimate chance to earn a spot on the podium, further proving her rapid rise in the sport.
Rex Maurer – 400m Freestyle, 400m IM, 4x200m Freestyle Relay
Rex Maurer had one of the biggest breakthroughs in collegiate swimming this season. After a disappointing performance at the 2024 NCAA Championships, Maurer came back strong, winning the NCAA title in both the 500-yard freestyle and the 400-yard IM.
At the U.S. Open, Maurer became the third-fastest American in the 400m freestyle, setting a U.S. Open record. He’s seeded seventh in the 400m freestyle and is also a strong contender in the 400m IM and 4x200m freestyle relay, where he will swim a leg. Maurer’s breakout season puts him in the mix for medals at the World Championships.
Gabriel Jett – 200m Freestyle
Gabriel Jett, 22, may be slightly older than some of the other newcomers, but his performance at the U.S. Open has earned him a spot at his first World Championships. Jett finished just behind Olympic bronze medalist Luke Hobson in the 200m freestyle to secure his place in Singapore.
Jett is seeded fourth, just behind Great Britain’s Matthew Richards, and has the potential to compete for a spot on the podium.
How to Watch the 2025 World Swimming Championships
The 2025 World Swimming Championships will stream on Peacock, starting Saturday, July 26. Here’s what you need to know:
Dates: July 26 – August 2
Venue: Singapore Sports Hub
Streaming: Available on Peacock
With exciting young talent on the rise and some of the sport’s biggest names competing, the 2025 World Swimming Championships promises to be an unforgettable event.
