Get ready for a shocking twist in the 2025 Swimming World Cup – Carmel! Canadian swimming sensation Mary-Sophie Harvey has withdrawn from the 200-meter freestyle final, leaving fans and competitors alike scratching their heads. But here's where it gets even more intriguing: this decision comes despite her qualifying eighth in the prelims with a time of 1:54.81, just seconds off her World Championship silver-winning pace from last December.
And this is the part most people miss: Harvey’s move is likely a strategic one. With her eyes on the 400-meter individual medley (IM) timed final, where she’s ranked second, Harvey seems to be playing the long game. Here’s why: swimmers can compete in as many events as they wish, but only their top three performances count toward their overall standing. Given the hefty prize money at stake—$112,000 USD per gender per stop—focusing on fewer events could mean maximizing her chances for higher payouts. But is this a smart move, or is she leaving money on the table? Let us know what you think in the comments!
Controversial take: Could Harvey’s decision to scratch the 200 free be a sign of her prioritizing long-term success over immediate glory? Or is she underestimating her ability to dominate multiple events? The debate is open!
In the 400 IM, Harvey faces stiff competition from Team GB’s Abbie Wood, who narrowly edged her out for World bronze in 2024, and Ireland’s Ellen Walshe, a 2021 World silver medalist who recently shattered a long-standing Irish record. Harvey, however, is no stranger to World Cup victories in this event, having claimed wins in Shanghai and Incheon last season before setting her personal best of 4:25.33 in Singapore.
Earlier in the meet, Harvey finished fifth in the 400 free (4:01.09), eighth in the 200 breaststroke (2:23.26), and tenth in the 100 IM (59.66), slightly off her personal bests. She’s set to conclude her campaign tomorrow with the 800 free (seeded second) and the 200 IM (seeded fourth).
Scratch Report:
- Men’s 50 Backstroke: No scratches
- Women’s 200 Freestyle: #8 Mary-Sophie Harvey
- Men’s 200 IM: No scratches
- Women’s 100 Backstroke: No scratches
- Men’s 50 Breaststroke: No scratches
- Women’s 50 Butterfly: No scratches
- Men’s 100 Freestyle: No scratches
- Women’s 100 Breaststroke: No scratches
- Men’s 200 Butterfly: No scratches
For all the details, check out the links below:
- Meet Central: https://www.worldaquatics.com/competitions/4969/world-aquatics-swimming-world-cup-2025
- Psych Sheets: https://swimswam.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ENTRIES_BOOK.pdf
- Live Results: https://www.omegatiming.com/2025/world-aquatics-swimming-world-cup01-live-results
- All The Links: https://swimswam.com/all-the-links-you-need-for-the-2025-carmel-world-cup-stop/
In This Story: Mary-Sophie Harvey
What do you think of Harvey’s bold move? Is she setting herself up for greater success, or is she missing an opportunity? Share your thoughts below!
