The Fort Lauderdale Open returns this year with one of the most loaded fields in history. The event runs April 29 through May 2 at the iconic Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center, hosted by Swim Fort Lauderdale, the City of Fort Lauderdale, and Visit Lauderdale.
Online Meet Entries opened today at noon eastern standard time, and they are filling up fast.Â
Register through the OME system now.
Last year’s edition of this meet drew global attention and media. Two world records were broken in one day. Katie Ledecky shattered the women’s 800-meter freestyle world record, and Gretchen Walsh broke the women’s 100-meter butterfly world record twice in a single day, first in prelims and then again in finals. With that kind of precedent, expectations for 2026 are sky-high.
The field reflects it. Some of the most powerful collegiate and club programs in the country have committed to compete, including:
University of Florida
University of Virginia
University of Texas & Pros
NC State University
Ohio State University
Auburn University
Princeton University
Arizona State University
Bolles School Sharks
SwimMAC Carolina
Nashville Aquatic Club
Sarasota Sharks
New York Athletic Club
Meet Schedule
Wednesday, April 29: 1500 freestyle (timed finals)
Thursday, April 30: Prelims & Finals
Friday, May 1: Prelims & Finals
Saturday, May 2: Prelims & Finals + 800 freestyle timed finals
Meet Entries
January 27, 2026: Online Meet Entries Open
The Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center continues to establish itself as a cornerstone of elite-level racing in the U.S., a venue that blends its rich swimming history with a world-class renovation and fast, reliable water.
With this kind of lineup and a proven record of producing historic performances, the 2026 Fort Lauderdale Open promises to be one of the premier meets of the year.
Courtesy of the Fort Lauderdale Open