A record-breaking weekend at FMC Natatorium

The second stop of the 2025 World Aquatics Swimming World Cup took place at the FMC Natatorium in Westmont, Illinois. Over three days of intense competition, the Myrtha-built pool once again proved to be a stage for greatness, hosting world-class performances and no fewer than four new World Records: set by Kate Douglass (100m freestyle), Kaylee McKeown (200m backstroke), Mollie O’Callaghan (200m freestyle) and Regan Smith (100m backstroke). With these world records set at the FMC Natatorium, the total number of world records established in a Myrtha pool now stands at 185.

Aaron Gabriel, Midwest Coordinator at Myrtha Pools and former journalist, highlighted one of the weekend’s defining moments: “Australian Mollie O'Callaghan became the first woman to break the 1:50 barrier in the short-course 200-meter freestyle, winning decisively in a superlative 1:49.77.” Of course, it’s impossible to quantify the countless personal milestones and breakthrough moments that have already taken place in those pristine FMC waters. But one thing is certain, every time swimmers dive in, the atmosphere is charged with excellence, and the vibes are, as Aaron Gabriel wrote, “immaculate.”