Caeleb Dressel returns to test form at the 2026 USA National Swimming Championships, Irvine, California; seeks return to top form before LA28
Returning Caeleb Dressel to test form at 2026 USA National Swimming Championships: Full schedule and athletes in action
Returning Caeleb Dressel to test form at 2026 USA National Swimming Championships: Full schedule and athletes in action Nine-time Olympic medallist Caeleb Dressel is set to continue his post-Paris 2024 comeback at the 2026 US Nationals as two-time Olympic medallist and nationals debutant Ilya Kharun tries to halt him. The 2026 USA National Swimming Championships take place from 28 July to 1 August at the William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center in Irvine, California. This year’s nationals will be a smaller affair since the swimmers selected for the 2026 Pan Pacific Championships, which take place from 12 to 15 August at the same venue, will not be taking part. The Pan Pacific roster was chosen based on 2025 results and includes most of USA’s Olympic medallists. Notable exceptions to that event include eight-time Olympic champion Caeleb Dressel, who is building up to regain his best form ahead of the home Olympic Games at Los Angeles 2028, a possible career-fourth. Dressel, who turns 30 in August, took a break after competing at Paris 2024 to focus on fatherhood and rediscover his love for swimming. Easing back slowly on his return to the pool in 2025, he has raced fewer races than usual since then, though more regularly as of December. The three-time Olympian is expected to race in the 50m and 100m freestyle and 50m and 100m butterfly events in Irvine. He clocked 21.84 in the 50 free at the 2026 TYR Pro Swim Series in Indianapolis in June, which is the best time he has swum since the 2024 Olympics. But it is the 100 butterfly that has proven to be Dressel’s best race this season. He currently sits 17th in the world among the fastest times in this event in 2026. The 100 fly is also the best race for two-time Olympic bronze medallist Ilya Kharun. The 21-year-old, who competed for Canada at Paris 2024, will make his debut at the US Nationals after announcing a switch to represent the United States in January 2026. Kharun is also expected to be Dressel’s main rival over the 50m fly. He won the event at the 2026 TYR Pro Swim Series in Indianapolis with a U.S. Open record of 22.73 seconds. Dressel has held the national record for the 50m fly with a time of 22.35 since 2019. Discover the full schedule of the five-day event below. Caeleb Dressel on impostor syndrome at Paris 2024 Discover what nine-time Olympic gold medallist in swimming Caeleb Dressel thought of his Paris 2024 performance in an exclusive interview with Olympics.com, and what his plans are for LA28. USA National Championships 2026: Full schedule All times local Pacific Daylight Time (UTC -7) Tuesday, 28 July Morning session - heats (9:00) - 200m butterfly - 100m freestyle - 800m freestyle (women only) - 1500m freestyle (men only) Evening session - finals (18:00) - 200m butterfly - 100m freestyle - 800m freestyle (women only) - 1500m freestyle (men only) Wednesday, 29 July Morning session - heats (9:00) - 200m freestyle - 200m breaststroke - 200m backstroke - 50m butterfly Evening session - finals (18:00) - 200m freestyle - 200m breaststroke - 200m backstroke - 50m butterfly Thursday, 30 July Morning session - heats (9:00) - 400m individual medley - 100m butterfly - 50m breaststroke - 50m backstroke Evening session - finals (18:00) - 400m individual medley - 100m butterfly - 50m breaststroke - 50m backstroke Friday, 31 July Morning session - heats (9:00) - 400m freestyle - 100m breaststroke - 100m backstroke Evening session - finals (18:00) - 400m freestyle - 100m breaststroke - 100m backstroke Saturday, 1 August Morning session - heats (9:00) - 1500m freestyle (women only) - 200m individual medley - 800m freestyle (men only) - 50m freestyle Evening session - finals (18:00) - 1500m freestyle (women only) - 200m individual medley - 800m freestyle (men only) - 50m freestyle