High Powered Canadian Squad Set for 2026 Para Pan Pacific Championships in California

WALNUT, California (Swimming Canada) – The Para Pan Pacific Championships are back for the first time since 2018 with a team of Canada’s best Para swimmers set to take on many of the world’s best over an intense three-days test under the California sun at Mt. San Antonio College, August 28-30 in Walnut, Calif..

A team of 20 athletes, who were selected based on their performances at the 2026 Bell Canadian Swimming Trials in July, will be led by four veteran team members including, two-time Paralympic champion Danielle Dorris (Club de Natation Bleu et Or); two-time Paralympic medallist Nicolas-Guy Turbide (Club de Natation Région de Québec); three-time Paralympian Abi Tripp (Club de Natation Région de Québec) and 2026 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Jagdev (Jack) Gill (McGill University).

“I’m thrilled to be back competing at the Para Pan Pacs,” said Tripp, who will be competing at her third Para Pan Pacs. “In many ways, this is a dress rehearsal for racing outdoors at the LA Paralympic Games. I can’t wait to see how our team learns and adapts to the environment. Being voted team captain is a privilege, and sharing this responsibility alongside Danielle, Jack and Nicolas-Guy makes it even more special.”

The inaugural championships were held in Edmonton in 2011, followed by Pasadena in 2014, where Canada finished third in the overall medal standings. At the most recent edition in Cairns, Australia, in 2018, Canada placed fourth overall.

Nicolas-Guy Turbide, who was part of that 2018 squad, is ready for the challenge. He comes into California mere weeks after taking the bronze medal in the men’s S13 50-metre freestyle in Glasgow, Scotland at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

“The Para Pan Pacs are another big step on the road to LA, and it’s the ideal spot to race under similar conditions to see what works,” said Turbide. “My main focus has returned to the 100 back after several years, so I’m excited to see where I stand. We’ve got a fantastic blend of rookies and veterans, and I’m privileged to help guide and support the group.”

For Tripp, Turbide, Aurelie Rivard (Club de Natation Région de Québec), Alec Elliot (Wilfrid Laurier University), Tess Routliffe (High Performance Centre – Quebec) will all be taking on the third Para Pan Pacific Championships of their career. While they have been part of nearly every iteration of the Championships, it’ll also feature Ken Stroud (Olympian Swim Club) and Tianna Asala (Okotoks Mavericks Swimming) who are the newest members of the national team, earning their spots this summer.

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“With two years to go until the LA 2028 Paralympic Games, every opportunity to compete internationally is an important step in our athletes’ development,” said Jocelyn Jay, Associate Director, High Performance Paralympic Program.

“This year’s Para Pan Pacific Championships will be especially unique, as athletes will compete in multi-class preliminaries and finals for the first time in the event’s history. In addition to gaining valuable international racing experience, they will have the opportunity to compete in a format not used at other major international events, including the World Para Swimming Championships and Paralympic Games, where events are raced by individual classification.”

All three days of racing will be streamed live on CBC Gem, with preliminary heats beginning at 9 a.m. PT and finals sessions at 5:30 p.m. PT. Live coverage will also be available across Swimming Canada and CBC Sports social channels.