As soon as one championship ends, planning for the next begins in elite sport. On 18 September 2026, World Para Swimming had already published the preliminary international calendars for 2027 and 2028.
Six World Series venues are planned for both seasons. Incheon in South Korea is new to the circuit.
A global route towards LA28
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Gold Coast opens the World Series season in both 2027 and 2028. Other stops are Lignano Sabbiadoro, Barcelona, Paris, Incheon and Guadalajara.
The 2027 calendar also includes events such as the Parapan American Games in Lima. In 2028, the plan culminates in the Paralympic Games in Los Angeles in August.
Open water remains on the calendar
The long-term position of the WPS Open Water Cup in Sardinia is also notable. September dates are planned for both 2027 and 2028.
Para open water is therefore continuing to develop as a distinct international competition option alongside the traditional pool system.
Planning certainty is a performance factor
For national federations, such early calendars are enormously important. Classification, qualification opportunities, training camps, travel budgets and seasonal peaks often have to be coordinated far in advance.
Travel and logistics can create additional individual requirements in Para sport. A competition calendar known early is therefore more than organisational convenience.
It also shows how global the series has become: Australia, Europe, Asia and the Americas can all appear within one season. Performance planning inevitably also means travel planning.
The calendar also shows growth beyond Europe
Incheon adds another Asian venue to the World Series while open water in Sardinia remains established for the long term. This geographic breadth can give more athletes access to international competition – but it also increases travel and budget demands for federations.
SCIENTIFIC SOURCE
https://www.paralympic.org/index.php/news/world-para-swimming-announces-preliminary-2027-2028-calendars