The 2026 Eddie Reese Showdown witnessed an exciting medley relay showdown between Texas pros, with a twist! The women's relay team, featuring Regan Smith, Anna Elendt, Summer McIntosh, and Simone Manuel, claimed victory with a time of 3:23.47. However, the men's relay, comprising Shaine Casas, Jack Kelly, Leon Marchand, and Chris Guiliano, initially took the lead with a time of 2:59.88. But, in a surprising turn of events, Marchand was disqualified for a false start, leaving the women's team as the real champions. This controversial decision sparked debates among spectators, as some questioned the clarity of the false start call. The event, held at the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center in Austin, Texas, on January 23-24, 2026, featured SCY (25 Yards) races. The women's relay showcased a strong performance from McIntosh, who split 50.68 for the fly leg, just under half a second faster than her lifetime best. Marchand, on the other hand, split 43.68 for the fly leg, nearly a second faster than his previous best. The men's relay also featured impressive splits, with Casas leading off with a time of 44.59 and Kelly contributing a 50.91 breaststroke leg. The Showdown concluded with the final session between Texas, Ohio State, and Louisville, leaving fans eager for more swimming action.
