Sam Short Shatters His Own Record in Men's 800 Freestyle at Pro Swim Series
The 2026 Pro Swim Series in Westmont, Illinois, witnessed a remarkable achievement by Sam Short, who shattered his own Pro Series record in the men's 800 freestyle. Short's time of 7:40.98 not only secured him the top spot but also marked a significant improvement over his previous record of 7:45.02, set at the same meet last year.
What makes this achievement even more impressive is the fact that Short's new record is the third-fastest time of his career. His personal best stands at an impressive 7:37.76, achieved at the 2023 World Championships, and he was even faster at the 2025 Australian Trials with a time of 7:40.95. The key to his success this time around seems to be the front half of the race, where he was out in a 3:47.94 at the 400-meter mark, compared to 3:51.76 a year ago.
This performance cements Short's position at the top of the World Rankings for the season, giving him a lead of over five seconds. It also highlights his consistent improvement and dedication to his craft. As he continues to push the boundaries of his performance, Short is undoubtedly one to watch in the upcoming swimming events.
In the final heat, Short's victory was followed by Bobby Finke, who finished in 7:58.35, and Daniel Wiffen, who clocked in at 8:07.21. The top eight included a mix of seasoned swimmers and rising stars, with Aiden Kirk, Gabriel Manteufel, Santi Alzate, and Lev Cherepanov rounding out the top eight with times of 8:12.60, 8:16.47, 8:18.23, and 8:18.55, respectively.
Sam Short's achievement at the Pro Swim Series is a testament to his hard work and dedication. It serves as an inspiration to aspiring swimmers and a reminder of the power of consistent improvement. As he continues to make waves in the swimming world, Short is undoubtedly one to watch for future achievements.
