The 2026 New South Wales State Open Championships, held at the iconic Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, concluded with a thrilling display of swimming prowess. While not an official selection meet for the Commonwealth Games, this competition served as a crucial stepping stone for athletes aiming to secure their spots at the upcoming Australian Championships.
One of the standout performances came from Melbourne Vicentre's Sam Williamson, who made a triumphant return to the pool after missing last year's championships due to a knee injury. Williamson dominated the men's 50m breaststroke, clocking in at 27.40 seconds and adding to his previous victory in the 100m breast. His resilience and comeback story are a testament to the competitive spirit of these championships.
In the women's events, Milla Jansen proved her speed in the 200m freestyle, touching the wall in 1:58.06, with Abbey Webb hot on her heels. Jansen's impressive performance comes as she prepares to make a training move to St. Peters Western under the guidance of renowned coach Dean Boxall. This shift in training environment could potentially unlock new levels of performance for the 19-year-old.
The splash and dash event, the men's 50m freestyle, saw Jamie Jack take center stage. Jack, the brother of Olympic medalist Shayna Jack, secured gold with a time of 22.05 seconds, showcasing his sprinting abilities. His lifetime best of 21.43 seconds, achieved at the U.S. Summer Open Championships, solidifies his position as one of Australia's fastest men in history.
The women's 200m IM provided an exciting battle between Jenna Forrester and Ella Ramsay. Forrester, a silver medalist at the World Championships, emerged victorious with a time of 2:10.21, just ahead of Ramsay. Tara Kinder completed the podium. Forrester's lifetime best of 2:08.98 places her among Australia's top female performers in this event.
Additionally, the championships witnessed some notable achievements in other events. Alexandria Perkins, in the absence of Kaylee McKeown, claimed gold in the women's 50m backstroke. Mia O'Leary set a new personal best in the 50m breast, while Bella Grant topped the podium in the 200m fly. Visiting Olympian Lewis Clareburt from New Zealand took gold in the men's 400m IM, and rising star Henry Allan dominated the men's 100m backstroke.
These championships not only showcased the depth of talent in Australian swimming but also provided a platform for athletes to gain valuable experience and refine their skills ahead of the highly anticipated Australian Championships. As the swimming community looks forward to the next major competition, the performances and stories from these State Open Championships will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.
