Tulane sophomore swimmer Casey Freeman is scheduled to compete in the 2026 Para Pan Pacific Swimming Championships, taking place from August 28–30 in Walnut, California, according to official U.S. Paralympics Swimming announcements. The international competition brings together top-tier athletes from across the Pacific region, serving as a major showcase for elite talent in Para swimming.
Event Schedule and Location Details in Walnut
The 2026 Para Pan Pacific Swimming Championships will run its official competition schedule from August 28 to August 30, following a dedicated training window from August 25 to August 27, according to U.S. Paralympics Swimming. The Walnut, California venue serves as the host site for the regional championship, drawing athletes aiming to hit top form in the international racing calendar. Registration for the meet closes on July 31, 2026, requiring participating teams to submit their finalized entries via Hy-Tek event entry files or designated Excel sheets to USPara.SwimInfo@usopc.org.
Classification and Eligibility Requirements
Athletes seeking to race in the Walnut competition must satisfy strict classification and licensing criteria. According to U.S. Paralympics Swimming, competitors must hold a valid World Para Swimming (WPS) license for the 2026 season and achieve Minimum Qualification Standards (MQS) times. Furthermore, while U.S. athletes who have undergone national classification and meet MQS marks can enter the preliminary heats, participation in A or B finals requires international classification. U.S. competitors requesting a WPS license after July 1 face potential delays in receiving full licensing prior to the start of the championships.
Global Para Swimming Calendar Context
The Para Pan Pacific Championships form a key part of an extensive international racing landscape managed under World Para Swimming guidelines. The broader 2026 calendar features the Para Swimming World Series across nine global stops, spanning from February in the Gold Coast, Australia, through events in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Barcelona, Paris, Berlin, Fuji-Shizuoka, Guadalajara, and Lima, before concluding in Abu Dhabi in late November, according to World Para Swimming. Across these World Series stops, results are calculated using a standardized virtual points system to track season-long performance standings.
Accommodations and Support Services
Organizers have implemented specific logistical frameworks for attending delegations in Walnut. U.S. Paralympics Swimming partnered with HBC Event Services to secure discounted hotel blocks designated for the tournament. Because the event operates under a stay-to-save policy, non-commuting participants are strongly encouraged to book lodging through the official housing portal rather than contacting properties directly, ensuring continued support for the organization’s event-sponsoring hotel partners.
Related reading