2026 Para Swimming World Series Australia

The Event Teams Guide and further information can be found HERE.

Online entries can be processed HERE from 11am (AEDT) Thursday 20th November, 2026.

Entries close at 5:00pm AEDT Thursday 15th January, 2026.

The upcoming NextWave event, held as part of the World Para Swimming (WPS) World Series, will provide an opportunity for nationally classified swimmers to compete alongside national and international Paralympic stars.

Please note that while NextWave participants will NOT be eligible for WPS World Series finals, a NextWave second-swim opportunity will be provided to practice heat to final racing practice.

The performance qualification standard for entry into NextWave are set as per the below QTs.

Please note, that as it is a WPS event, there are no 50m events for the S14 class.

Swimming Australia is pleased to announce an exciting competition opportunity for our national S1–14 swimmers.

The NextWave competition, held as part of the World Para Swimming (WPS) World Series – Australia, will give nationally classified swimmers the chance to race alongside national and international Paralympic stars. It is also a valuable chance to compete under full World Para Swimming rules and regulations, in an open outdoor venue that closely mirrors the LA 2028 Paralympic Games environment.

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NextWave Competition Format

• NextWave events are integrated within the WPS World Series program.

• NextWave swimmers are NOT eligible for WPS World Series finals.

• A NextWave second-swim opportunity will be provided to allow swimmers to practice heat-to-final race processes.

• No medals will be awarded for the NextWave second-swim opportunity.

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Entry Standards

The performance qualification standards (QTs) for entry into NextWave are set as follows: Qualifying Times (QTs)

Please note:

• As this is a WPS event, there are no 50m events for the S14 class.

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Licensing Requirements (All Classes S1–14)

To be eligible to compete, all swimmers must hold a current WPS licence.

To begin this process:

1. Submit your intent to swim by 5 December 2025 via the
   NextWave32 Event Expression of Interest Form (link on this page).

2. Complete and return as soon as possible:

   • The MDF Form (Medical Diagnostic Form)

   • The IPC Athlete Eligibility Agreement
     Send completed forms to: Wendy Smith – classification@swimming.org.au

Please only commence this licensing process if you genuinely plan to compete, due to the time and resourcing required to process each licence.

There will be additional steps required to finalise WPS licensing; however, the actions above will start the process.

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Additional Requirement for S14 Swimmers – Virtus Eligibility

S14 swimmers must also hold a Virtus eligibility number to be eligible for international classification.

This number is issued via Virtus registration through Sport Inclusion Australia.

Action required for S14 athletes:

• If you already have a Virtus/INAS eligibility number
  → Please provide this number as part of your nomination/licensing documentation.

• If you do not have a Virtus/INAS eligibility number
  → Please register and apply as soon as possible using the attached/linked
  Athlete Eligibility Application Form.

Further information on Virtus eligibility is available via Sport Inclusion Australia:
https://sportinclusionaustralia.org.au/eligibility/

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Key Points (Summary)

• NextWave competition is embedded within the WPS World Series – Australia.

• Entry standard: As per attached/linked QTs.

• No WPS World Series finals eligibility for NextWave swimmers.

• A NextWave second-swim opportunity will be provided for nationally classified swimmers (no medals).

• Current WPS licence required –

  • Submit intent to swim via the NextWave32 EOI form.

  • Submit MDF Form + IPC Athlete Eligibility Agreement to begin licensing.

• S14 swimmers additionally require a Virtus eligibility number.

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Work with Your Coach

Please share this information with your coach and discuss whether you should nominate for the event.

Coaches are welcome, and encouraged to attend.
Coach registrations will be managed through Swim Central.