An international swimming showcase will unfold at The Valley Pool in Fortitude Valley, where Australia’s leading swimmers will compete against some of the world’s top champions in a new fast-paced event format.
New Global Swimming Event Comes to Fortitude Valley
Swimming Australia has confirmed the launch of Australia vs The World, an international competition that will take place at The Valley Pool in Fortitude Valley on 12 December 2025. The event forms part of a broader strategy to host more high-profile domestic meets in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
The showcase will feature Australia’s Dolphins, including world and Olympic champions Kaylee McKeown, Cam McEvoy and Mollie O’Callaghan, racing against global stars such as Great Britain’s Duncan Scott, Italy’s Thomas Ceccon and the Netherlands’ Marrit Steenbergen.
Building Momentum Toward Brisbane 2032
The Fortitude Valley meet represents the first in a new series designed to strengthen the profile of Australian swimming and create more opportunities for athletes to compete on home soil. It also aims to connect elite swimmers with local communities, bringing the excitement of international racing closer to fans.
Short-Distance Racing Brings a New Edge to the Pool
A key feature of the event will be the introduction of 25-metre races — a world-first initiative following the success of a trial at the Australian Short Course Championships in Melbourne. During that test event, McEvoy recorded an unofficial 9.36-second time over the distance, highlighting the potential for shorter, more dynamic race formats.
Swimming Australia has positioned this new approach as a way to modernise the sport, making it more entertaining and accessible for audiences both at the venue and through live broadcast.
Fans to Experience Swimming Up Close at The Valley Pool
The Australia vs The World meet will deliver a fan-focused experience built around close racing and crowd interaction. With limited seating available, general admission tickets sold out shortly after release, though some resale options remain accessible through Ticketek Marketplace.
The event will begin at 6:30 p.m., with gates and box office opening from 5:30 p.m. The competition will be broadcast live and free on Nine and 9Now, allowing nationwide viewing.
Top Australian and International Athletes on the Blocks
The athlete roster features a mix of established and emerging swimmers. The Australian line-up includes McKeown, O’Callaghan, McEvoy, Sam Short, Matt Temple and Elijah Winnington. International representatives include Ceccon, Scott, Isabel Gose, Lukas Martens and Steenbergen.
The meet will serve as both a showcase of current stars and a preview of potential future Olympians, reflecting Swimming Australia’s effort to develop a stronger domestic presence for world-class competition.
Fortitude Valley Takes Centre Stage in Swimming Innovation
Australia vs The World marks a significant step for Swimming Australia’s event strategy, positioning Fortitude Valley as a hub for innovation in the sport. Combining elite competition with a new entertainment-driven format, the meet signals the start of a new era for Australian swimming ahead of Brisbane 2032.
Published 6-Nov-2025
