Swimming Australia and Channel 9 launch Swim GP in Melbourne

Swimming Australia and Channel 9 have announced the launch of Swim GP, a new team-based competition designed to increase commercial engagement and fan interest ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Scheduled for November 13 and 14, 2026, at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, the event will feature four teams of 20 Australian swimmers. Each team will be led by prominent coaches, including Dean Boxall, Damian Jones, Mel Marshall, and Craig Jackson. The competition format aims to blend elite racing with entertainment elements such as mixed relays, skins races, mystery medleys, bonus points, coaches’ calls, and live audience voting.

Swimming Australia CEO Rob Woodhouse stated the initiative is a step toward engaging fans in the “theatre and entertainment” of the sport to build athlete profiles and commercial success. The event is supported by the Victorian Government.