World Para Series event to be held on the Gold Coast in 2026

For the first time in swimming in this country, para swimmers will own the headlines and compete in their own stand-alone World Series event in Australia next year.

Swimming Australia, Experience Gold Coast and City of Gold Coast have today announced a partnership to bring the World Para Swimming World Series event to the Gold Coast for the first time in what will provide key learnings ahead of the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

Chiefly, the relocation from Melbourne comes after the unveiling of the outdoor venue for the 2028 Paralympic Games and the move gives Australian and international swimmers the chance to experience outdoor conditions as they prepare for the Games.

For LA28, para swimming will be held at a new, temporary outdoor aquatics centre in Long Beach.

The Gold Coast’s Para World Series event, to be held from 20-22 February at Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, will attract swimmers from across the world to one of Australia’s premier aquatic venues.

And next year’s event will also be the last chance for Australian athletes to secure selection for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, with the qualification period ending on 26 February.

This series also provides a platform for international classification and competition for Para swimmers across the world.

At today’s announcement Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said: “What a coup. The 2026 World Para series will be the first time the Coast has hosted this global swimming event and we are proud of showcasing our para stars – and potential Commonwealth Games Dolphins – as the main event.”

“Hosting these championships not only highlights the incredible sporting prowess of the world’s best para-athletes but equally, helps shine a light on the city’s sports facilities as we count down to the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics. I applaud Swimming Australia and World Para Swimming for showing faith in the Coast. We will deliver.’’

Swimming Australia General Manager of Paralympic Program Anna Johnson, added: “This is a great chance for our Australian swimmers but also a great opportunity for international athletes to get critical outdoor racing opportunities ahead LA.”

“It is also really important from a Commonwealth Games selection perspective for our athletes to nominate their times to be considered for Glasgow with solid pool performances off the back of a successful World Championships this year.

“We also thank Swimming Victoria for their support in delivering this event alongside their Victorian Open Championships over a number of years and giving our athletes to chance to compete internationally on home shores.”

Swimming Australia would like to thank Experience Gold Coast and City of Gold Coast for their support of this event, which will be broadcast on 9Now.