USA Swimming has announced information and some changes to the selection processes for upcoming National and Junior National Teams. The sport’s governing body in the U.S. sent a letter to National Team and Junior National Team coaches and athletes detailing how teams will be selected for future international events.
Here is what USA Swimming wrote:
Dear National and National Junior Team Coaches and Athletes,
We hope that you are all doing well and are enjoying the start of the 2024-2025 season and the beginning of an exciting LA28 quad. In this message we are excited to share some of our plans for the next two seasons with you including an update on team selection for 2025 and 2026.
First, as you know, at Nationals in 2025 we will be selecting three international competition teams – the World Aquatics Championships, the World Aquatics Junior Championships, and the World University Games. The priority order of selection is as follows:
- World Championships
- World Junior Championships
- World University Games
As in past years, athletes are required to attend the highest-level competition for which they qualify and cannot decline an invitation in order to attend another competition. For example, an athlete who is selected for World Juniors cannot decline and attend WUGs instead. Each roster will be distinct, meaning athletes can only attend one of the three competitions. Full selection procedures for each will be published early in 2025.
Based on recommendations from the National Team Steering Committee USA Swimming will select the 2026 Pan Pacific Championship team from the combined results of competitions from the summer of 2025. The following competitions will be included in Pan Pac selection:
- 2025 Nationals
- 2025 World Championships
- 2025 World Junior Championships
- 2025 World University Games
- 2025 TYR Summer Championships (please note that this meet will be held from August 5-8 in Irvine and selection will not include any of the other TYR Pro Swim Series meets.)
Full selection procedures for 2026 Pan Pacs will be announced at a later date. As a result of this approach, Nationals in 2026 will not be a selection meet for Pan Pacs but will be a selection meet for 2026 Junior Pan Pacs.
The Steering Committee believes that this decision will improve the performance of our team in LA 2028 for several reasons:
- Athletes will have a full season to train uninterrupted by a selection competition.
- Athletes and coaches can plan the 2026 season knowing their calendar and primary competitions well in advance.
- Athletes who have competed in trial meets every year since 2021 will have a mental break from the stress of a qualifying competition.
- All of the above benefits can be gained while still allowing for direct selection for both LCM World Championships in this quad.
Lastly, coach selection procedures for all 2025 competitions will be posted in early 2025.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns feel free to reach out to any of us.