World Series 2026: Barcelona set for Para Swimming World Series return

The Para Swimming World Series Barcelona 2026 marks the third stop of the season, taking place from 19-22 March at the Club Natacio Barcelona.

Featuring multi-class racing, the competition continues the early momentum of the Para Swimming World Series 2026, bringing together 238 athletes from 39 nations for four days of international competition.

Following a successful debut in 2025, the series returns to Barcelona for its second edition, further establishing the Spanish city as a key venue on the international Para swimming calendar. With a strong and diverse entry list, the event is expected to deliver a high standard of performance as athletes continue building form early in the season.

All the action will be live streamed on the FECPC YouTube channel.

World champion returns

The host nation will be led by Albert Gelis (S11/SM11), one of the standout figures in the Spanish team.

Gelis made headlines at the Toyota World Para Swimming Championships – Singapore 2025, where he became a world champion for the first time at the age of 43 after winning the men’s 100m backstroke S11 in a world record time.

“For me, it is a real honour to be able to compete in the pool where I train every day. I am very happy and hoping things go well — although in sport, that is never guaranteed. The facilities at the club in Barcelona are outstanding — right by the sea, with a 50m pool, outdoor pools, a saltwater pool and a 25m pool. It is a fantastic place to train and compete,” said Gelis.

His presence adds strength to the Spanish team and positions him as one of the key athletes to watch at the event. He will compete in three events — the men’s 100m backstroke, 100m freestyle and 200m individual medley.

“This weekend I will race the 100m backstroke, which is my main event, and I am hoping to post a good time. Next week we have the Spanish regional championships in Cadiz, then likely the national championships in June, and after that the whole summer will be about preparing for the European Championships,” he added.

🇮🇹 ✈️ 🇪🇸

After four action-packed days in Lignano, the Para Swimming World Series 2026 moves to Barcelona, Spain, for another four days of racing.

¡VAMOS, VAMOS!#ParaSwimming #WorldSeries2026 #Barcelona2026 pic.twitter.com/tBYALnsBvS

— Para Swimming (@Para_swimming) March 17, 2026

Top delegations

Overall, Spain enter the competition with the largest delegation, totalling 61 athletes, underlining the strength and depth of the national programme. 

Other swimmers representing the host nation are Inigo Llopis Sanz (S8) and Nahia Zudaire (S8/SB7), both of whom are established competitors at international level.

Llopis Sanz, the Paris 2024 Paralympic champion, is set to compete in the men’s 100m backstroke, butterfly and freestyle, as well as the 50m freestyle. Zudaire will race in the women’s 100m and 400m freestyle, 100m breaststroke and 200m individual medley.

Hong Kong, China bring 15 athletes, making it the second-largest delegation. The team include Yui Lam Chan among its key competitors.

France and Russia follow with 12 athletes each, highlighting their depth. France’s line-up features Paralympic champions Ugo Didier (S9/SB8/SM9) and Emeline Pierre, while Russia are led by Paralympic champion Valeriia Shabalina (S14).

Didier will compete in the men’s 100m and 400m freestyle, 100m backstroke and breaststroke, and 200m individual medley. Pierre will race in the women’s freestyle events, including the 50m, 100m and 400m races while Shabalina will be in action in the women’s 100m and 200m freestyle, 100m backstroke and 200m individual medley.

🇮🇹 The Para Swimming World Series 2026 continued with four days of top-level international racing at the Bella Italia Village in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy, from 12 to 15 March. pic.twitter.com/iHJqTo3lOP

— Para Swimming (@Para_swimming) March 16, 2026

Lignano – Barcelona air shuttle

The Para Swimming World Series Barcelona 2026 will also feature athletes returning to competition just days after competing at Lignano Sabbiadoro in Italy.

Among them is Rogier Dorsman (S11/SM11/SB11) of the Netherlands, who delivered a strong performance in Lignano Sabbiadoro by winning gold the men’s 100m breaststroke and securing silver in the 200m individual medley.

Switzerland’s Nora Meister (S6) also arrives in Barcelona in strong form after claiming gold in the women’s 400m freestyle and silver in the 100m backstroke in Italy.

Their presence highlights the demanding early-season schedule, with athletes facing a quick turnaround between meets as the Para Swimming World Series 2026 continues.