Canadian contingent gets ready for four days of racing some of the world’s best in Irvine
Irvine, Calif. – Many of Canada’s top swimmers are set to return to international competition this week as a 42-athlete squad takes to the pool at the 2026 Pan Pacific Championships, August 12-15, at the William Woollett Aquatics Center in Irvine, California.
The team, which was selected at the 2026 Bell Canadian Swimming Trials in July, is composed of a mix of rookies and veterans. The roster features 17 Olympians, including three-time Olympic champion and world record holder, Summer McIntosh; four-time Olympic medallist, Taylor Ruck; and 2024 World Aquatics Champion, FiRacnlay Knox, are among the athletes ready to take on competing charter nations of Australia, the United States and Japan.
Knox will also take on a leadership role in Irvine, joining Sophie Angus, Mary-Sophie Harvey, Ingrid Wilm and Yuri Kisil as Team Canada’s captains for the Championships. The five will help lead a Canadian team featuring athletes at varying stages of their international careers.
“I’m really excited coming to LA for Pan Pacs, not only is it is a little pre-feel for the Olympics in two years but just to have an opportunity to race outside for a four-day competition something a little shorter than what we’re used to,” said two-time Olympian Knox. “Swimming outside is going be a new challenge, but something I’m looking forward to.”
The 2026 edition marks the return of the Pan Pacific Championships for the first time in nearly a decade, providing an important international racing opportunity as athletes move into the second half of the Olympic cycle toward LA28.
“It’s exciting to see the Pan Pacific Championships return after an eight-year gap and to have our athletes back racing at one of the premier international meets on the calendar,” said John Atkinson, High Performance Director and National Coach.
” The Pan Pacific Championships is an incredibly valuable event for our athletes as we move into the second half of the quad to LA28. Racing in California provides an excellent opportunity in California as we build towards the Games in LA to gain insights that will be beneficial as we continue to finalize our plans.”
Several athletes arrive in Irvine carrying momentum from the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where Canada captured nine medals by both Olympic and Paralympic programs. Among those returning to race are Angus, who claimed bronze in the women’s 50-metre breaststroke, and Oliver Dawson, who earned the first senior international medal of his career with silver in the men’s 200-metre breaststroke.
“It was great to have a few days at home after the Commonwealth Games to reset and recharge before another exciting week of racing,” said Angus.
“While it’s a quick turnaround, I think the racing and experience I gained at Commonwealth Games have set me up well for Pan Pacs, and I’m feeling refreshed and excited for another opportunity to compete. My focus is on building on the performances I’ve had this summer, enjoying every opportunity to race, and embracing the atmosphere. I’m also looking forward to competing alongside such a talented Canadian team, with a really exciting mix of veteran athletes and newcomers to the senior team.”
The Championships also provide another important opportunity for Canada’s next generation, with 14 swimmers making their senior national team debuts this summer. For many, Irvine represents either their first or second taste of international senior competition as they continue gaining valuable experience on the road to LA28.
WHERE TO WATCH:
CBC is the Canadian home of the 2026 Pan Pacific Championships, with daily coverage from Aug.12 through Aug. 15. Preliminary sessions will be available starting at 10 a.m. PT and finals sessions at 7 p.m. PT on CBC Gem and CBC.ca.
Full coverage can also be found across Swimming Canada and CBC Sports digital platforms.