2026 Bergen Swim Festival Preview: Lukas Martens, IU Pros Highlight Stacked International Field

2026 Bergen Swim Festival

• Friday, April 917th – Sunday, April 19th
• Prelims at 9:00am local (3:00am ET)/B-Finals at 5pm, A-Finals at 6pm local (Noon ET)
• Bergen, Norway
• Alexander Dale Oen (AdO) Arena, Bergen (50m Olympic pool)
• Meet Central
• Entries
• Live Results

The 2026 Bergen Swim Festival (BSF) is shaping up to be one of the most significant editions in the meet’s 19-year history. As the premier aquatic event in Norway, it continues to draw a world-class field to the AdO Arena, but this year carries a special “transatlantic” buzz.

The Americans are Landing

The highlight headline for 2026 is the arrival of the Indiana University (IU) Pro Group. This marks an exciting boost for BSF, bringing a heavy-hitting contingent from the United States to compete on Norwegian soil.

Key US Athletes to Watch

• Matt King (IU): Paris 2024 Olympic Gold Medalist.
• Anna Peplowski (IU): Olympic relay medalist and a powerhouse in the 200m Freestyle (PB 1:55.70).
• Josh Matheny (IU): Olympic and World Championship finalist specializing in breaststroke.
• Van Mathias (IU): One of the fastest Americans ever in the 50m Breaststroke.
• Brian Benzing (Was IU, Now Towson): NCAA All-American in the 100y Breast
• Finn Brooks (Was IU, Now Race Club): NCAA All-American in the 100y Breast
• Jonette Matland Lægreid (IU): A homecoming story; the Bergen local and IU student returns to her home pool alongside her world-class teammates.
• Dare Rose (Cal): World Champion, 6x World Championship Medalist

International Stars Look to Shine

In addition to a strong USA contingent hopping in the pool, many international athletes will be competing as well. The biggest of those names will be Lukas Martens, who was set to compete at the Swim Open Stockholm last weekend but was battling illness after competing in the China Open. However, Martens is set to race at the AdO Arena this weekend in Bergen.

Key International Athletes to Watch

• Lukas Martens (GER): Olympic Champion, World Champion, World Record Holder (400 Free)
• Siobhan Haughey (HKG): 4x Olympic Medalist, 5x World Champion, 9x Asian Games Medalist
• Marrit Steenbergen (NED): 4x World Champion, 6x European Champion
• Nyls Korstanje (NED): European Champion, 6x World Champs Medalist
• Arno Kamminga (NED): 2x Olympic Medalist, 6x Worlds Medalist

What to Expect at AdO Arena

As Norway’s national center for swimming, the AdO Arena provides a fast, high-atmosphere environment.

1. Elite Competition Structure: The meet uses an “A-flight” and “B-flight” system during prelims to ensure the fastest seeds race together in the morning, keeping the energy high from the first whistle.
2. Distance Showdowns: The 800m and 1500m Freestyle events are capped at the top 18 swimmers, with the fastest heat integrated directly into the evening finals for maximum spectator impact.
3. Local Pride: Beyond the international stars, expect a strong showing from Norwegian clubs like Bergen Vest, Bergens Svømme Club, and Delfana, as they look to defend their home turf.

Spectator Info

If you’re heading to the stands, the atmosphere is expected to be electric given the high-profile US entries.

• Tickets: Adults are roughly 230 NOK, with family passes available for 450 NOK.
• Bonus Event: If you’re in town for the full week, One Ocean Week begins in Bergen on April 18, making the city a hub for both elite sport and ocean sustainability.

The 2026 BSF isn’t just a regional meet anymore—it’s a global destination. Whether you’re watching for the Olympic stars or the local talent, the AdO Arena is the place to be this weekend.