Shenzhen, China, is preparing to host a major international swimming event in March, bringing together elite athletes from around the globe. The 2026 China Swimming Open and National Spring Swimming Championships, scheduled to take place at the Longgang Universiade Center Natatorium from to , promises compelling competition as swimmers vie for top honors and prepare for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The four-day meet, organized by the Swimming Management Center of the General Administration of Sport of China and the China Swimming Association, will feature a significant contingent of international stars alongside China’s leading swimmers and emerging talents. Organizers have confirmed the participation of 17 Olympic and World Championship medalists, signaling a marked increase in the event’s global profile.
Among the international competitors expected to participate are American swimmers Jack Alexy, Kate Douglass, Alex Walsh, and Gretchen Walsh. Italy’s Thomas Ceccon, Australia’s Kyle Chalmers, and Switzerland’s Noe Ponti are also slated to compete. The presence of these athletes underscores the growing appeal of the China Swimming Open as a key event on the international swimming calendar.
The competition is expected to produce several high-profile matchups. A particularly anticipated contest is the men’s 100m freestyle, which could pit World Record holder Pan Zhanle of China against multi-Olympic medalist Kyle Chalmers of Australia and two-time Olympic relay medalist Jack Alexy of the United States. The event also provides a platform for rising Chinese stars, including 13-year-old prodigy Yu Zidi, to test their skills against established international competitors like Kate Douglass and Alex Walsh in the individual medley events.
The China Swimming Open represents a significant investment in the sport within the country. Organizers have described the prize purse as the largest in the history of domestic swimming competitions, although the exact amount remains undisclosed. This increased financial incentive, coupled with the event’s growing international stature, is intended to attract top talent and foster greater sporting exchanges.
The event follows the successful staging of the 2025 National Swimming Championships and the 15th National Games, both held in Shenzhen. It also serves as the National Spring Swimming Championships, providing a crucial opportunity for Chinese athletes to assess their winter training progress and prepare for the upcoming Olympic cycle. The Longgang Universiade Center Natatorium, which hosted swimming events during the 2011 Summer Universiade and the 2025 National Games, will once again be the focal point for national and international swimming competition.
The organizers emphasize the unique opportunity the event provides to bring together two generations of elite swimmers, fostering both competitive showdowns and valuable experience for domestic athletes. The influx of foreign talent is expected to elevate the overall level of competition and contribute to the development of swimming in China. As a relatively new international sports event, the China Swimming Open is quickly establishing itself as a key stepping stone on the path to the Olympic Games, attracting attention from swimmers and fans worldwide.
The meet’s significance extends beyond the pool, reflecting China’s broader ambitions to strengthen its position as a major player in international sports. By hosting high-profile events and attracting top athletes, China aims to promote sporting exchanges, enhance its global image, and inspire a new generation of athletes within the country.
