For the first time in a decade, the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre (SOPAC) in New South Wales will play host to an Australian Swimming Trials.
Set for June 7th through June 13th, the 2026 Trials will serve as selection for the Australian teams for that year’s Commonwealth Games and Pan Pacific Championships.
SOPAC will also host the 2026 Australian Short Course Championships on the calendar for September.
Built in 1994, the SOPAC served as a major aquatic venue for the 2000 Summer Olympics, with swimming, diving, synchronized swimming and medal events for water polo taking place there.
More recently, the venue played host to the 2024 Sydney Open & Unisport Nationals. The facility boasts four indoor heated pools and has a current 10,000 spectator capacity.
Swimming Australia CEO, Rob Woodhouse OLY, said the return to Sydney was an exciting development for the sport.
“Athletes, coaches and fans have so many fond memories of our sport at SOPAC and we’re thankful to the NSW Government and the Office of Sport for providing the support that brings us back to Sydney,” he said.
“NSW represents our largest swimming participation community and working alongside Swimming NSW, we can showcase our sport and inspire the next generation of swimmers and swimming fans alike.”
Swimming NSW CEO, Kirsten Thomson OLY, said the events provided a great opportunity for their swimming community.
“Swimming NSW is incredibly proud to welcome the 2026 Australian Swimming Trials to our home state, and we are grateful to the NSW Government for their support and investment in our vision. This is a win for all our NSW swimming participants; swimmers, coaches, officials and for the future of our sport. Bringing events of this calibre to NSW not only showcases world-class athletes but also provides a powerful opportunity to inspire the next generation of swimmers right here in our own backyard,” she said.
“Having these events in NSW means our members will now have greater access to witness Australia’s best in action without the barriers of interstate travel. It ensures our entire community can feel more connected to national events.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
“The Australian Swimming Trials is Australia’s highest profile annual swimming event featuring Olympians and Paralympians alongside other leading elite swimmers.
“With the event serving as the selection trials for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and Pan Pacific Championships, swimmers will be giving it their all to get a ticket on the flights to Glasgow and California.”
NSW Minister for Sport CEO Steve Kamper said:
“NSW has the highest participation in the nation and I am delighted that we can see the nations best perform right here at home.
“This provides a critical foundation to ensure success at a national and international level and forms an important part of the talent pathway for elite and up and coming swimmers.”
Quotes courtesy of Swimming Australia.
