Tampa Bay Swimmers Dominate 2026 Junior Open Water Worlds Qualifiers

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The 2026 U.S. Open Water National Championships have set the stage for the upcoming Junior Open Water World Championships, with several young swimmers from the Tampa Bay region of Florida qualifying to represent Team USA. Notably, three swimmers from St. Petersburg Aquatics (SPA) - the Hansen siblings, Brinkleigh and Sawyer, as well as 15-year-old Ansley Bess - have earned spots on the national team, joining three additional qualifiers from the nearby Sarasota area.

Why it matters

The strong regional representation from the Tampa Bay area highlights the thriving aquatic culture and talent pool in this part of Florida. It raises questions about the factors contributing to the success of these specific clubs and regions, and whether this could inspire the development of similar high-performing programs in other parts of the country.

The details

The Hansen siblings, Brinkleigh and Sawyer, are no strangers to success, with Brinkleigh being a multi-time defending Junior World Open Water Champion. Joining them is the talented 15-year-old Ansley Bess, who is set to make her mark on the biggest stage of her young career. The Tampa Bay region's dominance is further highlighted by the inclusion of three swimmers from the Sarasota area, accounting for a significant portion of the U.S. team.

• The 2026 U.S. Open Water National Championships recently concluded.
• The 2026 Junior Open Water World Championships are upcoming.

What’s next

The final Pan Pac roster is yet to be determined, but the junior swimmers who will represent the United States at the upcoming 2026 Junior Open Water World Championships have been unveiled.