Get ready for an exciting journey as we dive into the SwimSwam Top 100 Swimmers of 2026, focusing on the incredible women who are set to dominate the global swimming scene! This list is our prediction of the top 100 swimmers to keep an eye on, and it's going to be a thrilling ride.
In non-Olympic years, the swimming world spreads out across the globe, making it a challenge to compare performances. This is where times become the ultimate judge, and it's an intriguing twist in the rankings.
Our ranking principles are based on trajectory, age, recent performances, anomalies, versatility, and the competitive atmosphere of each event. We've analyzed the data, debated, and refined our list to bring you a comprehensive outlook on the swimming elite.
However, we've had to make some tough calls. Swimmers like Sarah Sjostrom, who took time off for a baby, and those with uncertain futures, have been excluded or ranked with caution. It's a tricky business, but we're here to give you the inside scoop!
Let's kick things off with Katie Grimes, who has the potential to soar up this list. Despite a disappointing 2025, where she struggled at the NCAA Championships and finished 6th in the 400 IM at the World Championships, she's a priority pick for the US Pan Pacs team. Will she bounce back and reclaim her spot among the world's best?
Next up is Louise Hansson, who stepped up for Sweden in 2025 while Sarah Sjostrom was away. She finished 18th in the 50 fly and 22nd in the 100 fly at the World Championships, but bounced back with a bronze at the SC Euros. With the major meet this year being the European Championships, she's set to make a big splash.
Barbora Seemanova of the Czech Republic had a significant jump in 2025, ranking 61st in our Top 100. She qualified for the 200 freestyle finals in Paris and finished 5th, just a tenth off her personal best. With most of her best times being only two years old, she's a serious medal contender at the upcoming European Championships.
The addition of stroke 50s to the Olympic lineup has brought swimmers like Erin Gallagher into the spotlight. She finished 8th in the 50 fly at the World Championships and is a solid medal threat in the 50 and 100 fly at the Commonwealth Games.
Rikako Ikee, who battled leukemia, is slowly returning to her pre-illness form. She finished 14th overall in the 100 fly at the 2025 World Championships, and with her season-best time in the 50 fly ranking 6th in the world, she's a force to be reckoned with.
Our first junior swimmer on the list is Amalie Smith, who turned 16 in August and became the fastest European Junior swimmer ever in the SCM 400 IM. She won silver medals in both the 200 and 400 IM at the World Junior Championships and is set to be a serious contender at the European Championships and Commonwealth Games.
McKenzie Siroky's swimming journey is unique. Originally a Division I Hockey player, she continued swimming and broke the Michigan state record in the 100 breast. She qualified for the Olympic Trials and is now set to make her international debut. With her first full summer of training behind her, she's poised for some impressive drops in her times.
Moesha Johnson is a force in open water swimming, but she also races the distance events in the pool. She swept the OW events at the 2025 World Championships and is the favorite for the open water 10k at Pan Pacs.
Minna Abraham, one of Europe's top 200 freestylers, finished tied for 17th in the world in the long course 200 freestyle in 2025. With a strong performance at the SC Euros, she's set to shine at the long course Euros this year.
Sienna Toohey, our second junior swimmer, has made her mark on the world breaststroke rankings. At just 16, she's been breaking national age records for years and is becoming a strong asset for the Australian relay team. With a half-second drop in her 100 breast time, she's showing great potential for continued improvement in 2026.
Get ready for an exciting year of swimming! Who do you think will make waves in 2026? Let's discuss in the comments!
