The Americans are landing in Bergen

A new milestone in BSF’s global expansion

Bergen Swim Festival is proud to confirm that the Indiana University Pro Group will compete at BSF 2026 — marking a significant milestone in the event’s development into a truly global international meet.

Indiana University is one of the most respected swimming environments in the world. With decades of tradition, the program has produced Olympic champions, World Championship medalists, and national record holders, and continues to be a hub for pro athletes on the international stage.

Strategic growth: Expanding into new continents

BSF has consistently attracted elite swimmers from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania.
With Indiana’s arrival, the festival now adds a new major region:

The United States — the largest and most influential swimming market in the world.

“Having the Indiana University Pro Group at BSF is not just an athletic win — it is a strategic one.
The U.S. is the epicenter of global swimming. Aligning with that market accelerates our goal of positioning BSF as a world-class destination for top athletes.”
— Markus Lie, Director of BSF

World Cup momentum — establishing themselves among the big names

On the 2025 World Cup circuit, Indiana Pro Group swimmers delivered breakout performances, securing finals, medals, and head-turning swims against some of the biggest names in global swimming. Finn Brooks and Luke Barr were among those making an impression — stepping into lanes next to international stars and proving they belong in the conversation. These results show that Indiana isn’t just producing fast athletes on paper

Elite athletes — elite racing

Indiana arrives in Bergen with a roster loaded with international credentials:

• Matt King — Olympic gold medalist (Paris 2024) + 5× Universiade Champion

• Anna Peplowski — Olympic relay medalist (Paris 2024), World Championship silver medalist, PB 1:55.70 (200 free)

• Josh Matheny — Olympic finalist (Paris 2024), World Championship finalist (2025)

• Van Mathias — #3 all-time American in 50m breaststroke (26.76)

Beyond their Olympians and World Championship finalists, the roster also includes American Record holders and NCAA history-makers — proof that Indiana produces excellence at every level.
Among them is Bergens’s own Jonette Matland Lægreid, currently studying and competing at Indiana University. Her return to BSF alongside her teammates adds a personal and exciting dimension to this year’s lineup.

These athletes aren’t just coming to race —
they’re coming to compete.

BSF’s evolution continues

With Indiana confirmed, BSF strengthens its position as Europe’s fastest-growing elite swim event. The festival now attracts athletes who regularly appear in Olympic finals, at World Championships, and on professional circuits across the globe.

BSF is no longer just a stop on the calendar —

It’s becoming a destination.