The four Pan Pacific Swimming Championships charter nations have reached a decision for the 2026 edition of the championships to be hosted in Los Angeles.
The agreement between the four charter nations of Australia, Canada, Japan and the United States of America will allow Los Angeles to host a top international championship ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The “Pan Pacs,” which are held every four years, rotate among the four charter nations, with top swimmers from each country, as well as high-profile guest competitors with all non-European nations invited. Canada had been scheduled to host the Pan Pacs in 2022, but those championships were postponed to 2026 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are grateful to Swimming Canada for giving us the opportunity to host the 2026 edition of the Pan Pacific Championships in Los Angeles,” said USA Swimming CEO and President Tim Hinchey. “This meet will be an unprecedented chance for the best in the world to compete two short years before America hosts its first domestic Summer Olympic Games in 30 years. USA Swimming and the American swimming community look forward to welcoming our friends and greatest competitors from the Pan Pac charter nations.”
“Swimming Canada is pleased to support the move of the 2026 Pan Pacs from Canada to USA Swimming and Los Angeles,” said Swimming Canada Acting CEO Suzanne Paulins. “The Los Angeles 2028 Games being so close to home is a tremendous opportunity for our national team members. We see the value in moving Pan Pacs to Los Angeles, and look forward to this being a step on the road to making LA2028 the best Games possible.”
Canada, which hosted the 2006 championships at the Saanich Commonwealth Pool in Victoria, will now look to host a future edition of the Pan Pacs.
“The Pan Pacific Championships are always important for our team, and are going to be even more so given the uncertainty around the 2026 Commonwealth Games,” said Swimming Canada High Performance Director John Atkinson. “Having a strong Canadian team represent Canada in 2026 is very important for our team and program. The opportunity to experience a high-level championships in Los Angeles will help us build towards the 2028 Games.”
Lindsay Mintenko, Managing Director of the USA Swimming National Team, stated, “Our partnership with the Pan Pac Charter Nations and the athletes and coaches they serve is of great pride to USA Swimming. We look forward to bringing the best of American talent to compete against these athletes in Los Angeles in 2026 and then again in 2028.”
The exact location and dates of the 2026 Pan Pacs will be announced at a later date.