Australian Trials Return To Sydney’s “Pool Of Dreams” in 2026
The premier domestic meet on the Australian swimming calendar will return to the “Pool Of Dreams” the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre in 2026.
The Australian Swimming Trials for the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and Pan Pacs in Los Angeles will be swum at the SOPAC venue from June 7-13, 2026.
RETURN TO SYDNEY: SOPAC to host 2026 Australian Trials. Photo Courtesy SOPAC
Opened in 1994, the iconic Sydney 2000 Olympic venue, became swimming’s centre piece with the emergence of local hero Ian Thorpe who re-wrote the 200 and 400m freestyle record books at the 1999 Pan Pacs and captured the imagination of the nation with his golden Games in 2000.
The announcement was made in conjunction with the NSW Government who, through the NSW Office of Sport, are supporting the 2026 Trials as well as the 2026 Australian Short Course Championships, to held at the venue from September 29 to October 2.
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,” Woodhouse 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, who was a member of Australia’s 4x200m silver medal-winning relay in 2000, 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,” Thomson said.
“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.
“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.”
