Posted on Wednesday 20th May, 2026

2026 MSA National Championships – A Golden Celebration

The 2026 Masters Swimming Australia (MSA) National Championships will be remembered as a landmark event in every sense. Held in Brisbane and proudly hosted by Masters Swimming Queensland (MSQ), this 50th edition coincided with MSQ’s own 50th anniversary, creating a truly golden celebration of Masters swimming.

This year’s Championships attracted 795 swimmers entered, representing the largest number to attend a National Championships this century, with athletes from 133 clubs coming together from across Australia and around the world.

The Championships welcomed 33 international swimmers from Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand and the United States, reinforcing the global appeal of Masters swimming and contributing to a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.

Across five days of pool competition, followed by the Open Water Championships, Brisbane delivered outstanding racing across 16 age groups, showcasing the depth, diversity and longevity of participation in Masters swimming. Clubs from across Australia were well represented, with Claremont Masters (WA) recording the largest team presence despite the distance travelled to Brisbane.

A strong social program complemented the racing, with the Welcome Function at Brisbane City Hall officially opening the Championships, the Coaches Dinner providing an opportunity for connection among coaching leaders, and the Presentation Function at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre closing the week in celebration of performances and achievements.

Championships by the Numbers

  • 795 swimmers entered
  • 133 clubs represented
  • 33 international competitors
  • 6,086 total entries
  • 5,914 swims completed (93.9% completion rate)
  • 603 relays

The 50m Freestyle was the most popular event, with more than 500 combined entries, while distance events such as the 400m and 800m Freestyle also attracted strong participation.

Relay racing remained a highlight of the Championships, with 603 relay teams contributing to strong club engagement across the week.

Records and Performances

The Championships delivered exceptional results, with 466 records recorded across all categories, reflecting the high standard of competition across all age groups.

Records by Category

  • 7 world records (provisional)
  • 159 individual national records
  • 43 relay national records
  • State records:
    • NSW: 76
    • NT: 3
    • QLD: 200
    • SA: 44
    • TAS: 26
    • VIC: 111
    • WA: 6

Highlight Performances

Outstanding performances were a defining feature of the Championships, including participation from some of the fastest swimmers in Australia and internationally.

A standout moment came on opening day in the Men’s 4 × 50m Freestyle Relay (120–159 years), where the Barbarians team of Grayson Bell, Pedro Goidanich, David Morgan and Cameron McEvoy delivered a world-record-breaking performance.

Bringing the relay home on the anchor leg, Cameron McEvoy — the current 50m Freestyle long course world record holder and Paris 2024 Olympic Champion — produced a remarkable split of 20.30 seconds, the fastest relay split ever seen in Masters short course swimming. This capped a dominant team performance and created one of the most memorable moments of the Championships.

McEvoy also delivered another extraordinary highlight during the meet, recording a 25m Freestyle time of 9.26 seconds, widely recognised as the fastest 25m Freestyle ever swum. This followed an earlier 9.32 swim in competition, further reinforcing the calibre of performance on display.

Across the Championships, a number of exceptional individual performances were also recorded:

  • Nadine Loof (Barbarians) broke a long-standing World Record in the 50m Freestyle and lowered it again leading off a relay, also setting a new benchmark in the 100m Freestyle.
  • Jeanette Brits (Manly Masters), named Female Swimmer of the Meet, broke four world records across the 200m, 400m and 800m Freestyle.
  • Denise Robertson (Miami Masters) set world records in both the 400m and 800m Freestyle.
  • Robyn Crotty (Jasi Masters, New Zealand) broke a 10-year-old world record in the 400m Individual Medley.

These performances highlight the exceptional standard of competition and the unique opportunity the Championships provide to see world-class swimming alongside lifelong participation.

 

National Championships Award Winners

The Presentation Function provided an opportunity to recognise outstanding performances and achievements across the Championships, with awards presented to leading individuals and clubs.

Major Awards

  • Founders’ Trophy – National Champion Club
    Claremont Masters (WA)
  • Runner Up Trophy – National Championship (2nd Place)
    Commercial Masters, QLD
  • Visitors’ Trophy – Top Scoring Interstate Club
    Blacktown Masters, NSW
  • Female Swimmer of the Meet
    Jeanette Brits, Manly Masters, NSW
  • Male Swimmer of the Meet
    Tony Goodwin, Manly Masters, NSW

Age Group Relay Trophies

  • 72–99 years – Blacktown City Masters, NSW
  • 100–119 years – Blacktown City Masters, NSW
  • 120–159 years – Commercial Masters, QLD
  • 160–199 years – Commercial Masters, QLD
  • 200–239 years – Blacktown City Masters, NSW
  • 240–279 years – Malvern Marlins, VIC
  • 280–319 years – Claremont Masters, WA
  • 320–359 years – Miami Masters, QLD

Special Trophies

  • Life Members’ Trophy
    UQ Masters, QLD
  • Presidents’ Trophy
    North Shore Masters, NSW

Engagement and Championships Experience

The Championships delivered a highly engaged event experience both on pool deck and through digital platforms:

  • 862 users accessed the My Nationals platform
  • 3,110 total platform sessions recorded
  • 1,058 swimmer QR check-ins
  • 1,463 program downloads
  • 6,924 emails and 352 SMS messages delivered

Participation extended beyond competition, with strong engagement across functions, transport and merchandise throughout the event.

Full results and event information from the Championships remain available via the official Nationals website: https://nats2026.mastersswimmingqld.org.au/

 

Participation and Event Highlights

  • 281 Championship bus tickets and 98 Open Water bus tickets sold
  • 255 Presentation Function tickets and 165 Welcome Function tickets
  • Strong participation in raffles and merchandise activities

Open Water Championships

The Open Water Championships attracted 138 registrations, further extending participation beyond the pool program.  MSQ acknowledges the coordination of the Open Water Championships, including the contribution of Event Coordinator Gaby Donnelly, the open water committee and the many community groups, volunteers and safety personnel who assisted with delivery of the event at Raby Bay.  MSQ thanks the following groups who contributed to the success of the event:

  • Redland City Council
  • Point Lookout Surf Lifesaving Club
  • Redland Bayside Masters Swimming Club
  • Redland Swimming Club
  • BAY FM
  • 1300 Medics
  • North Mackay Sinkers
  • Townsville Open Water Swimming Association
  • Cairns Mudcrabs Masters Swimming Club

 

Acknowledgements

The success of the 2026 MSA National Championships reflects the dedication and professionalism of a large community of contributors.

MSQ acknowledges Masters Swimming Australia, and Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) as Strategic Partner, for their support in delivering the Championships.

MSQ also extends its appreciation to Rydges South Bank Brisbane, the official accommodation partner for the Championships. Located in the heart of the Championships hub, Rydges provided convenient and high-quality accommodation for swimmers, officials and supporters. Their support contributed to the overall Championships experience, offering a welcoming and accessible base for attendees throughout the week.

MSQ recognises the leadership of MSQ President Susanne Milenkevich, whose guidance ensured the coordinated delivery of a complex, multi-faceted event.

Significant acknowledgement is extended to Event Coordinator Gaby Donnelly and Business Manager Christina Scolaro, whose extensive behind-the-scenes planning, coordination and delivery ensured a high-quality Championships experience.

Greg Flanders and the announcing team are recognised for their professionalism and energy in delivering clear and engaging communication throughout the Championships. This included the valued contributions of Anita Lendvay and Josh Hemelaar, whose support across announcing and music helped create an engaging and vibrant atmosphere on pool deck.

A special thank you is extended to Trish Robinson in her role as Volunteer Coordinator, whose organisation and support ensured volunteers were well managed and supported throughout the event.

Thank you to event photographers Gary Brinkman, Stephen Duffie and Jellybean Photography for capturing memorable moments throughout the Championships. Many of these photos are available on the MSQ Facebook page and Gary’s website.

MSQ also thanks Chelsea and the team at Brisbane Aquatic Centre, whose ongoing support, professionalism and attention to detail ensured the venue operated smoothly and provided an excellent experience for all involved.

The team at BBL Transport is also acknowledged for coordinating the Championships shuttle bus service, with reliable operations and friendly drivers supporting transport throughout the week.

Technical Officials

The Championships were underpinned by an outstanding team of technical officials whose professionalism ensured the highest standard of competition.

Lori Chaplin, MSQ Director of Technical Services, provided exceptional leadership as Technical Manager. Coordinating and delivering the officiating program across the full Championships, including the Open Water event, required significant planning and oversight. This was achieved with precision, organisation and consistency, ensuring officials were well-prepared and sessions ran smoothly throughout the week.

A special acknowledgement is also extended to Jane Wilson in her role as Meet Recorder. The efficient and accurate production of results was a critical component of the Championships’ success. Results were delivered promptly each day, supporting the seamless operation of competition and contributing to the high level of confidence experienced by swimmers and officials.

MSQ acknowledges the contribution of all technical officials:

  • Liz Alfredson
  • John Barrett
  • Heather Butler
  • David Buter
  • Steve Carsley
  • Paul Carter
  • Ray Clarson
  • Harold Gusdorf
  • Carmel King
  • Jane Noake
  • Gary Shepherdson
  • Bruce Trenerry
  • Julie-Anne Tuxworth
  • Lorrin Van Opdenbosch
  • Jane Wilson
  • Sue Worthington

Recording and Digital Delivery

MSQ also recognises Sam Brown, MSQ Director of Recording, for his outstanding contribution to the Championships.

Sam led the development and delivery of the National Championships website and My Nationals portal, providing a modern, highly functional platform that enhanced the event experience. His work enabled real-time results, easy access to event information, and personalised swimmer highlights at the conclusion of the meet.

He also managed entries and event programming, committing significant time to ensure accuracy, efficiency and a high standard of delivery. This complex work was critical to the Championships’ success, with the systems delivered providing a seamless experience for swimmers, officials and supporters.

Big Voice Media is thanked for the live stream coverage, providing access beyond the venue. The broadcast remains available via the MSQ YouTube channel, allowing the Championships to be relived at any time.

Sponsors – 2026 MSA National Championships

The success of the 2026 MSA National Championships was made possible through the valued support of our sponsors and partners. Their contribution enabled Masters Swimming Queensland to deliver a national swim meet of a high standard for competitors, officials and supporters.

Event Partner

Vorgee
Vorgee is the official swimwear and accessories partner of Masters Swimming Australia, with more than 18 years of continuous support of the masters swimming community. Their long-standing commitment reflects a shared focus on promoting swimming as a lifelong activity and supporting participation, health and fitness across all levels of the sport.

Gold Sponsor

GloBird Energy
GloBird Energy is an Australian-owned energy retailer providing electricity and gas services across multiple states. Established in 2014, the company focuses on delivering competitive, flexible energy plans and greater choice for customers.

Silver Sponsors

Education Geographics
Education Geographics specialises in advanced demographic analysis for schools, providing data-driven insights to support planning, management and marketing. Their work combines statistical and geographic profiling to help organisations better understand and respond to changing communities.

Swim Tours Australia
Swim Tours Australia delivers guided swimming experiences in some of Australia’s most iconic natural locations, from coastal swims to multi-day swim adventures. Their tours focus on safe, inclusive and memorable experiences while connecting participants with the marine environment.

Bronze Sponsor

V-Insurance Group
V-Insurance Group is a specialist insurance broker in the sports, leisure and entertainment sectors, providing tailored insurance solutions that support organisations to manage risk and deliver safe, high-quality events.

Community Supporters

Fine Designs Australia
Fine Designs Australia provides event merchandise solutions for sporting organisations, delivering on-demand apparel, onsite sales and comprehensive merchandise management to enhance the participant experience.

Gary Brinkman Photography
Gary Brinkman Photography captured the Championships through professional event photography, providing high-quality images that showcase the performances and atmosphere of the meet.

Kieser
Kieser combines evidence-based physiotherapy with targeted strength training to support improved movement, injury prevention and long-term health. Their team provided onsite support throughout the Championships, assisting swimmers to perform at their best.

Mermaid Trophy Centre
Mermaid Trophy Centre engraved medals for the Championships, ensuring timely and high-quality recognition of swimmer achievements.

Sethius Art
Sethius Art best known for the iconic metal bin chickens, created the official mascot of the Championships. The custom Swimming Binny statue was raffled during the event and has since found a new home in Gympie, Queensland. His work enhanced the presentation and visual identity of the Championships.

Club Sponsors

We also acknowledge the clubs that supported the Championships through event sponsorship:

Closing Acknowledgement

Masters Swimming Queensland sincerely thanks all sponsors and partners for their support of the 2026 MSA National Championships. Your contribution played an important role in delivering a successful event and an outstanding experience for swimmers from across Australia and beyond.

 

Final Thanks

To all swimmers, supporters and clubs who travelled from across Australia and internationally, thank you for contributing to this milestone event.

The 2026 MSA National Championships showcased the very best of Masters swimming — competition, connection and community.

We look forward to the 2027 MSA National Championships in Perth and wish the organising committee all the best as they prepare to welcome swimmers from across Australia and beyond for another outstanding celebration of ‘swimming for life’.