World Aquatics To Trial 10 Lane Semis & Finals At SC Worlds, Adding World Cup Wild Card Qualifier

World Aquatics announced a pair of interesting elements that will be added to its 2026 international calendar on Friday. The global governing body said it will trial using 10 lanes for all semi-final and final events 400 meters and below at the 2026 Short Course World Championships, an increase from the standard eight-lane format. “As well as enabling more swimmers from more Member Federations to reach these semi-finals and finals, the innovation is expected to deliver more exciting competitions,” World Aquatics said on Friday . All 800 and 1500-meter events and relays will remain eight lanes.

World Aquatics To Trial 10 Lane Semis & Finals At SC Worlds, Adding World Cup Wild Card Qualifier. World Aquatics announced a pair of interesting elements that will be added to its 2026 international calendar on Friday. The global governing body said it will trial using 10 lanes for all semi-final and final events 400 meters and below at the 2026 Short Course World Championships, an increase from the standard eight-lane format. “As well as enabling more swimmers from more Member Federations to reach these semi-finals and finals, the innovation is expected to deliver more exciting competitions,” World Aquatics said on Friday . All 800 and 1500-meter events and relays will remain eight lanes. Additionally, World Aquatics announced a new qualifying wrinkle for the 2026 Short Course Worlds. Swimmers competing at the three-leg World Cup circui...