The U.S. and Australian women entered the 2026 Pan Pacific Championships with similar times and goals in the 400 freestyle relay.
Just about a half second separated the two countries on paper, but a different mix of swimmers brings out all kinds of possibilities.
Australia won the first relay round on Day 2, claiming the 800 free relay.
In the 400 free relay, it took an American record for Team USA to earn gold, winning the event for the first time since 2017 in major international competition.
Kate Douglass led off for Team USA against Australia’s Meg Harris and led by a half second at the turn. But Douglass finished in 51.69, the American record and second-fastest swim in history.
“Honestly, my goal was to break the world record,” Douglass said. “It hurst to be so close, but I am really happy with that swim. Obviously that is a huge best time for me.”
Gretchen Walsh was next and faced Alex Perkins of Australia. Walsh went 52.23 to keep the relay on world record pace and hand the relay to Torri Huske.
“I thought that was a very good split for me and to be part of an American record in that relay is something I didn’t get to do last summer,” Walsh said. “It was really special.”
Huske built that lead with a split of 52.79 and Simone Manuel dove in for the anchor.
Manuel kept the lead and was out in a 24.90 to pull away, giving the U.S. the win in 3:29.32, breaking the Pan Pacific meet record and American record.
“Just seeing USA sprint do amazing things has been really special to be a part of,” Manuel said. “We were all pumped up to have Kate start off with the American record, we want to bring it home. We have always want to be really competitive in that relay and win it. We all have to step up and hopefully win that gold medal in L.A.”
For Huske, it was a huge bright spot in a tough meet that has seen her be the third wheel in some U.S. events.
“It was an honor to be on this relay. It is no secret that this hasn’t been my best meet ever. So I was just hoping I could put together a good performance to get us on top of the podium,” Huske said.
Australia, who finished with Milla Jansen and Olivia Wunch, took the silver in 3:31.11 after taking most of the major wins in the event the past few years.
Canada took the bronze in 3:36.44 with Taylor Ruck, Mary-Sophie Harvey, Leah Tigert and Leilani Fack. It was the second medal of the night and fifth so far this week for Ruck.
