World Series 2026 kicks off under open skies and outdoor pool in Australia

The Para Swimming World Series 2026 will make a striking start under the Australian sun, as the season’s opening meeting takes place in an outdoor pool at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, in Queensland. 

As the first of nine meetings scheduled across the 2026 calendar, the Gold Coast leg sets the competitive tone for the year ahead.

A total of 164 athletes, representing a broad mix of established champions and emerging talent, will be in action from 20-22 February.

The relocation from Melbourne — host city of last year’s edition — to the Gold Coast reflects a strategic decision to provide athletes with valuable race experience in open-air conditions, including variables such as wind, light and temperature, with competition conditions being aligned to those anticipated at the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, where Para swimming events will unfold outdoors in Long Beach.

The competition will be livestreamed in the Australia Swimming YouTube channel for the international audience and in 9Now channel for those in the Australian territory. 

Dolphins under spotlight

Host nation Australia will field the largest delegation, with 94 athletes entered, including two-time Paralympic champion Rowan Crothers (S10), in formidable form. 

Crothers claimed three gold medals at the recent World Championships in Singapore, topping the podium in the men’s 50m and 100m freestyle events, as well as contributing to victory in the 4x100m freestyle relay 34pts. His performances reinforced his status as one of the sport’s premier sprint specialists and a leading figure within the Australian ranks.

Part of that victorious relay quartet was Chloe Osborn (S7), another prominent name in the host delegation. Osborn’s presence strengthens Australia’s women’s contingent and adds further relay depth as the season begins. Competing at home, both athletes will be expected to set the benchmark in their respective classifications.

Both the Par swimmers will be in action in three events each. While Crothers dives into the pool in the men’s 50m and 100m butterfly and 50m freestyle, Osborn competes in the women’s 100m, 200m, and 400m freestyle events.

Strong international representation

The international field promises fierce competition as India arrives with the second-largest delegation, comprising 21 athletes. The nation’s continued expansion on the global Para swimming stage is reflected in its growing representation and competitive consistency across multiple classifications.

Joint third in delegation size are Canada and Russia, with 14 athletes each. Canada’s squad features one of the sport’s most accomplished S14 swimmers in two-time Paralympic champion Nicholas Bennett. 

A proven performer on the world stage, Bennett brings experience and technical precision to the season opener, adding depth to the men’s field and signals Canada’s ambitions for the year ahead.

The Canadian swimmer will race the men’s 100m, 200m, and 400m freestyle in addition to the men’s 100m breaststroke events.

Japan is also represented by leading contenders, including Tomomi Ishiura (S11). As one of the prominent names in the visually impaired classifications, Ishiura’s participation contributes to the meet’s competitive diversity and underscores the global reach of the series.

Ishiura will be in action for the women’s 50m and 100m freestyle and backstroke events.

Across the 164-strong field, the blend of seasoned Paralympians and rising athletes reflects the dual purpose of the World Series: to provide elite competition while nurturing the next generation of talent.

Start of journey  

Following the Gold Coast opener, the World Series 2026 will continue with eight further meetings spanning Europe, Asia, North America and South America, reinforcing the circuit’s global footprint.

In March, the focus shifts to Europe with consecutive stops in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy and Barcelona, Spain offering early-season racing opportunities in two established Para swimming destinations.

May represents the most intense stretch of the calendar, with three meetings in quick succession: Paris, France; Berlin, Germany; and Fuji-Shizuoka, Japan. This trio of events will provide a crucial mid-season benchmark as athletes balance performance objectives with long-term Paralympic preparation.

The series then heads to the Americas in August for the meeting in Guadalajara, Mexico before concluding the year with two final stops in November: Lima, Peru and Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The detailed 2026 calendar is available here.