The 2026 Australian Open swimming championships, held on April 6-8, 2026, at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, showcased a range of exciting races and talented swimmers. Here's a recap of the day's finals, with a focus on the standout performances and key results.
Men's 50 Breaststroke
Sam Williamson, the reigning Aussie national record holder and Oceanian record holder in this sprint, dominated the men's 50m breaststroke final with a gold medal-winning time of 27.14. This result is .01 seconds faster than his previous season-best of 27.15, set at the Vic Open in February. Williamson's performance cements his status as a top contender in the sport.
Women's 200 Fly
Elizabeth Dekkers, an Olympic finalist and Commonwealth Games champion, made a statement in the women's 200m butterfly final. With a time of 2:05.39, Dekkers not only won the race but also put the world on notice. Her performance rockets her up the rankings, placing her third behind Olympic multi-medalists Summer McIntosh and Regan Smith.
Men's 100 Fly
Matt Temple, the Aussie national record holder and Oceanian record holder in the 100m butterfly, claimed gold with a time of 51.60. This marks his season-best performance, as he previously clocked a speedy 50.92 at the Japan Open. Temple's dominance in the event is evident, as he continues to rank among the top performers worldwide.
Women's 50 Back
Alexandria Perkins, a USC Spartans swimmer, secured gold in the women's 50m backstroke with a time of 27.79. This performance is the third-best of her career, and she narrowly missed the 28-second barrier. Perkins' success builds on her earlier gold in the 50m fly, showcasing her versatility and skill.
Men's 400 IM
Lewis Clareburt, a visiting Kiwi Olympian and newly minted national record holder, impressed in the men's 400m individual medley. With a time of 4:10.10, Clareburt claimed gold and demonstrated his prowess in the event. His performance positions him well for the upcoming Commonwealth Games.
Women's 200 Free
Mollie O'Callaghan, a former World Record holder and Olympic champion, showcased her speed in the women's 200m freestyle final. With a time of 1:53.69, O'Callaghan dominated the race, nearly two seconds ahead of her competitors. Her performance solidifies her status as a top freestyle swimmer.
Men's 50 Free
Jamie Jack, a 23-year-old swimmer from St. Peters Western, claimed gold in the men's 50m freestyle with a time of 21.71. Jack's performance is the fifth-best of his career, and he narrowly misses the top 5 performers worldwide on the season. His speed and talent make him a force to be reckoned with.
Women's 200 IM
Kaylee McKeown, the national record holder in the women's 200m individual medley, touched first in 2:09.22. Her performance held off Ella Ramsay, who clocked 2:09.94. Jenna Forrester, a reigning World Championships silver medalist, secured bronze with a time of 2:11.97.
Women's 50 Breast
Sienna Toohey, a 17-year-old swimmer, crushed a new personal best of 30.39 to win gold in the women's 50m breaststroke. Her performance overtook the Age Record for 17-year-olds, previously held by Leiston Pickett. Toohey's steady progress towards the 30-second barrier is impressive.
Men's 200 Back
Stuart Swinburn topped the podium in the men's 200m backstroke with a time of 1:58.25. Matthew Magnussen secured silver, and Enoch Robb captured bronze.
Women's 1500 Free
Lani Pallister, a national record holder, showcased her freestyle prowess in the women's 1500m final. With a time of 15:44.07, Pallister claimed gold and demonstrated her endurance and skill in the longer event.
Men's 1500 Free
Sam Short, the 2023 World Championships bronze medalist, added another medal to his collection with a gold-winning time of 14:54.75. Short's consistency and ranking as a top prospect for the Commonwealth Games highlight his potential for future success.
