International competition calendar and qualifying time standards

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2024 World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m). Budapest, Hungary (December 10-15)

2025 Pacific Mini Games. Koror, Palau (June 29 to July 9)

2025 World Aquatics Championships. Singapore (July 27 to August 3)

2025 World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships. TBA (August 19-24)

2026 Micronesian Games. Nauru (TBA)

2026 Oceania Aquatics Swimming Championships. (TBA)

2026 World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m). (TBA)

2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games. Dakar, Senegal (Oct 31 to Nov 13)

2027 World Aquatics Championships. Budapest, Hungary (TBA)

2027 Pacific Games. Tahiti, French Polynesia (July 24 to August 7))

2028 Summer Olympic Games. Los Angeles, USA (July 14 to 30)

2029 World Aquatics Championships. Beijing, China (TBA)

2032 Summer Olympic Games. Brisbane, Australia (TBA)


Selection to international Flag Event competitions is based on qualification. Qualifying times must be achieved at a Guam Aquatics or GNOC-sanctioned event, which includes Guam Championship and Pentathlon meets. Qualifying times for the Olympic Games must be achieved at an Olympic qualifying meet.

For competitions with limited athlete entries such as the World Aquatics Championships, and if no athlete has met the established qualifying time standard, then in addition to any other requirements, athlete selection is determined by the Base Time Proximity Standard.

With the exception of World Aquatic events and the Olympic Games,* qualifying time standards for Flag Events such as the Micronesian Games, Pacific Games, Pacific Mini Games, Oceania Championships and others are guided by the 1991 order of the GNOC Executive Board that qualification to participate shall be minimally based on the times of the third (3rd) place finishers in the "A" finals for each event as achieved during the last edition of the relevant Games. With approval, Guam Aquatics may allow for minimum times achieved by the last place finisher in the "A" finals for each event, which typically is the 6th or 8th place depending on the competition.

For more information, see the FAQs.

*Qualifying time standards for World Aquatic events and the Olympic Games are established by World Aquatics.

*Last update: November 27, 2024.

2026 Micronesian Games – Nauru

As of December 1, 2024, the actual dates and location for the 2026 Micronesian Games have not yet been announced. However, it is expected the competition will be held sometime around July 2026.

It is also unknown if swimming will be a contested sport at the 2026 Games. In anticipation, however, the qualifying times have been posted below. Only those athletes who achieve the qualifying times in the events set out are eligible for consideration to attend the competition. All times must be achieved within the qualifying period of December 1, 2024 to March 31, 2026 at a Guam Aquatics or GNOC-sanctioned event. These dates may change depending on a final scheduling announcement by the Micronesian Games Council; however, the qualifying times posted below will NOT change.

Download 2026 Micronesian Games Nauru Qualifying Times

Download 2024 Micronesian Games Results

Only entry times from events with distances of 100 yards, 100 meters, or higher shall be accepted for qualification purposes. If qualified to attend, athletes may swim event distances of 50 yards or 50 meters at the competition.

Athletes who equal or better the posted QT in one or more events are preliminarily qualified for consideration to participate in the competition, provided that all other qualification and eligibility requirements are met. This includes (but is not limited to), the athlete’s rank & times, technical skill, age, maturity, fitness, residency, citizenship, ethics, and behavior.

Athletes entered in individual events can be used in relays, even if they have not achieved the QT for the corresponding stroke and distance of the relay in which they are entered.

No one has the right or entitlement to participate in the competition. At all times, the final selection of athletes and officials to the team, including event entries, is subject to the discretion of Guam Aquatics, GNOC, and/or the relevant organizing committee.


*If no times earned in a 25-yard distance pool are available, then times earned in a 25-meter or 50-meter distance pool may be submitted to Guam Aquatics for conversion and consideration. All times submitted must be for distances of 100 meters or more.

**Qualifying time standards for the Oceania Aquatic Swimming Championships are guided by the 1991 order of the GNOC Executive Board that qualification to participate shall be minimally based on the times of the third (3rd) place finishers in the “A” finals for each event as achieved during the last edition of the relevant Games which was the 2024 Micronesian Games, Kwajalein Marshall Islands. Subject to GNOC’s approval, Guam Aquatics may allow for minimum QTs equal to the time achieved by the last place finisher in the “A” finals for each event, which is typically the 6th or 8th place depending on the competition.

2026 Oceania Aquatics Swimming Championships

The actual dates and location for the 2026 Oceania Aquatics Swimming Championships have not yet been announced, but it is expected the competition will take place sometime around July 2026.

The qualifying times are set out below. Only those athletes who achieve the qualifying times in the events set out are eligible for consideration to attend the competition. All times must be achieved within the qualifying period of December 1, 2024 to March 31, 2026 at a Guam Aquatics or GNOC-sanctioned event. It is possible that these dates might change depending on a final scheduling announcement by Oceania Aquatics, but not by much. However, the posted qualifying times will NOT change.

Download 2026 Oceania Championship Qualifying Times

Download 2024 Oceania Championship Results

Only entry times from events with distances of 100 meters or more shall be accepted for qualification purposes. If qualified to attend, athletes may swim event distances of 50 meters at the competition.

Athletes who equal or better the posted QT in one or more events are preliminarily qualified for consideration to participate in the competition, provided that all other qualification and eligibility requirements are met. This includes (but is not limited to), the athlete’s rank & times, technical skill, age, maturity, fitness, residency, citizenship, ethics, and behavior.

Athletes entered in individual events can be used in relays, even if they have not achieved the QT for the corresponding stroke and distance of the relay in which they are entered.

No one has the right or entitlement to participate in the competition. At all times, the final selection of athletes and officials to the team, including event entries, is subject to the discretion of Guam Aquatics and/or the relevant organizing committee.


*If no times earned in a 50-meter distance pool are available, then times earned in a 25-yard or 25-meter distance pool may be submitted to Guam Aquatics for conversion and possible consideration. All times must be for distances of 100 meters or more.

**Qualifying time standards for the Oceania Aquatic Swimming Championships are guided by the 1991 order of the GNOC Executive Board that qualification to participate shall be minimally based on the times of the third (3rd) place finishers in the “A” finals for each event as achieved during the last edition of the relevant Champs which was the 2024 Oceania Champs. Subject to GNOC’s approval, Guam Aquatics may allow for minimum QTs equal to the time achieved by the last place finisher in the “A” finals for each event, which is typically the 6th or 8th place depending on the competition.

FAQS: PARTICIPATION IN GUAM AND INTERNATIONAL SWIM MEETS

Updated 17 August 2024

NO ONE HAS THE "RIGHT" TO COMPETE. EVEN IF QUALIFIED, THERE IS NO "GUARANTEE" OF ENTRY INTO ANY GAME OR  COMPETITION.

Participation in any national (local Guam) or international competition with and through Guam Aquatics is a privilege, NOT a "right" and there is no "guarantee" of anything.

No athlete is entitled to compete nationally (local Guam) or internationally (off-island foreign). All competition nominations and entries are subject to the discretion of, and acceptance by, Guam Aquatics, the Guam National Olympic Committee, and/or the relevant organizing committee. 

As the recognized National Federation for aquatics, Guam Aquatics abides by the Fundamental Principles of Olympism and the Olympic Movement as set forth in the IOC Charter, including the IOC rules governing Invitations and Entries:

"Any entry is subject to acceptance by the IOC [and/or relevant sanctioning authority, including GSF and GNOC], which may at its discretion, at any time, refuse any entry, without indication of grounds. Nobody is entitled as of right  to participate in the Olympic Games [or any other games or competition]."  [Source: Olympic Charter Rule 44(3); GNOC Code of Conduct (“Membership on the Guam National Team. . . competing Internationally and Nationally . . .is an honor and a privilege.”)].

At all times participation in any Guam Aquatics or GNOC event, including selection to participate in off-island events, is based “not only on the sports performance of an athlete but also on their ability to serve as an example to the sporting youth of the country. The NF (GSF) must ensure that the entries comply in all respects with the provisions provided by FINA. The NF is responsible for the behavior of the members of its delegations.” [Source: FINA Good Governance Guidelines Article 5.1].

Who can swim in a local Guam swim meet organized by Guam Aquatics?

To be eligible to take part in official competitions organized by Guam Aquatics, an athlete must be a current registered competitor in good standing representing a member team of Guam Aquatics or a temporarily “unattached” athlete who is transferring between teams during a competition season.

Local guest athletes and athletes from foreign jurisdictions may be invited to participate in an invitational swim meet sponsored by Guam Aquatics. Foreign athletes who are members of anither national federation must provide clearance that they are in good standing and eligible to compete.

Is a visiting or guest athlete eligible to earn a Guam swim record?

No. Only an athlete who is a current registered competitor in good standing representing a member team of Guam Aquatics is eligible to earn a Guam swimming competition record.

An invited visiting or guest athlete is ineligible to earn a Guam swim record even if the time achieved during the meet is faster than the Guam record. However, the athlete’s time will be recorded, and if the meet is a podium competition, they may win awards and medals.

How is eligibility to swim in an international Flag Event competition held outside of Guam determined?

Subject to any other applicable requirements, the following is a basic general outline of how athletes are selected to attend a Flag Event[1] competition:

First, an athlete is eligible for consideration to compete and represent Guam in a Flag Event if the athlete has achieved the minimum qualifying time within the relevant qualifying time period in at least one event; is a current registered competitor in good standing representing a member aquatics team of Guam Aquatics; is not unattached or under sanction; and meets all other applicable qualification and eligibility requirements.

Second, the athlete must fulfill the minimum age, residency, citizenship, fitness, and other requirements established by the host country, Guam Aquatics, GNOC, World Aquatics, or other organizing body assigned jurisdiction over the specific competition.

Third, the athletes who qualify by meeting the first two prerequisite criteria are nominated to the competition by their head coach depending on the athlete’s overall times, technical skill, maturity, fitness, ethics, and behavior.

For World Aquatics or other limited entry events, an athlete must have achieved at least a “B” qualifying time as established by World Aquatics for the particular competition. The qualifying times are announced in the months leading up to the event and are published on the World Aquatics website

Athletes who equal or better the qualifying times in one or more individual events are qualified to participate in the competition. If no athlete meets the qualifying times, then except for the Olympic Games, eligible athletes will be ranked and selected based upon application of the Base Time Proximity Standard. Regardless of rank or times, other criteria is considered including (but not limited to) technical skill, maturity, fitness, ethics, and behavior. The final selection of the team is made by Guam Aquatics.

For GNOC or Federation-level events, such as the Micronesian Games, Pacific Games or Oceania Swimming Championships (and depending on the criteria established by the host and the competition organizing committee), athletes are nominated by their head coach depending on the athletes’ qualifying time, technical skill, maturity, fitness, ethics, and behavior. If the number of athletes who may be entered in the competition is limited, then the Base Time Proximity Standard is applied. The final selection of the team is made by Guam Aquatics.

How are qualifying times determined?

Qualifying times, criteria, and standards are established by World Aquatics, the IOC, or the organizing body of the competition.

If no qualifying times are announced, then pursuant to the 1991 order of the GNOC Executive Board, the minimum qualifying times shall be equal to the times achieved by the third (3rd) place finishers in the “A” finals for each event during the last edition of the relevant competition. Subject to GNOC’s approval, Guam Aquatics may allow for minimum qualifying times equal to the time achieved by the last place finisher in the “A” finals for each event, which typically is the 6th or 8th place depending on the competition.

What is the minimum age to participate in an international competition?

Athletes must be at least fourteen (14) years of age on 31st December in the year of competition. If “A” and “B” qualifying entry times have been announced (e.g., World Aquatics Championships and Olympic Games), then younger competitors may participate if they have achieved at least the “B” Standard Entry Time in the respective event.

What are the minimum residency requirements to participate in an international competition?

The minimum residency requirements are established by the GNOC:

  • If born in Guam, the athlete must have five (5) cumulative years of residing in Guam prior to the Opening of the Games/Event, not just in the year of competition.
  • If NOT born in Guam, the athlete must have resided in Guam five (5) consecutive years prior to the Opening of the Games/Event, not just in the year of competition.

Proof of residency is required to be provided. Refer to the GNOC Residency Guidelines for further information.

How are athletes selected for the Olympic Games?

To be selected for the Summer Olympic Games, an athlete must achieve an “A” Olympic Qualifying Time (OQT) within the qualifying period as established by World Aquatics for the particular Olympic Games. Athletes who equal or better the OQT in one or more individual events are automatically qualified to participate in the Olympics.

The OQT must be earned in a 50-meter long course pool during an Olympic-qualifying competition sanctioned by World Aquatics and held during the applicable qualifying period. Short course (25y and 25m) times and non-Olympic qualifying competitions that are not sanctioned by World Aquatics do not count towards the Olympics. The OQTs and the qualifying period are announced in the months leading up to the Olympics and published on the World Aquatics website.

What if no athlete achieves an “A” Olympic Qualifying Time?

If no athlete achieves an “A” Olympic Qualifying Time (OQT), then the athlete may still be considered for the Games if the athlete has at least met the B” Olympic Consideration Time (OCT)

If no athletes achieves either an “A” OQT or a “B” OCT, then World Aquatics may invite GNOC to allow two athletes [one (1) male and/or (1) female] to attend the Summer Olympic Games through “Universality Placement.”

Universality entry places are not automatic or guaranteed. The decision to extend a Universality invitation is subject to the sole discretion of World Aquatics and the acceptance/approval of the GNOC, which has exclusive jurisdiction and control over Guam’s participation in the Olympic Games.

Unlike the World Championships which utilizes the Base Time Proximity Standard to determine selection, and subject to any other criteria that may be established, only the male and/or female athletes who have achieved the highest World Aquatics Points Table score in an individual 50m Olympic qualifying event during the relevant qualifying period are eligible for consideration to be invited.

Swim times and points achieved outside of the qualifying period, or in a 25y or 25m pool event (to include the World Aquatics 25m World Championships), or in a non-Olympic qualifying competition, do not count towards the Olympics.

Effective April 9. 2024, the updated rules for the Paris 2024 Olympics no longer require that athletes participate in the World Aquatics 50m World Championships held in the year before the Olympic Games in order to be eligible for consideration of a Universality invitation. Athletes entering through Universality are limited to a maximum of two (2) Olympic Games in his/her career or not being older than the age of thirty (30) years as of 1 January in the year following the year of the Olympic Games.

Regardless of qualification, points or anything else, the final decision as to who will be invited to participate in the Olympic Games rests solely within the exclusive jurisdiction and discretion of the GNOC.

What other off-island meets can Guam Aquatics athletes attend?

If invited, a Guam Aquatics member swim team may permit its athletes to participate in an independent event (aka “club” meet) held off-island provided that the meet is not organized or sponsored by an international gaming/sports organization or by the National Federation of the country in which the meet is held. If the head coach of the team requests that Guam Aquatics sanction the club meet as a non-Flag Event, the times achieved at the meet will be recognized and made eligible for records.


[1] A “Flag Event” is a competition sanctioned by Guam Aquatics and/or the GNOC as one where the delegation of athletes and officials is authorized to be called “Team Guam” and to nationally represent Guam as a country. The competitions recognized and sanctioned by Guam Aquatics as Flag Events are: all Guam Aquatics competitions, Guam Cocos Crossing, Micronesian Games, Pacific Games, Pacific Mini Games, East Asian Games, Asian Indoor & Martial Arts Games, Oceania Aquatics Swimming Championships, all World Aquatics competitions, World Aquatics National Federation Member invitational events, Pan Pacific Games, Arafura Games, Youth Olympic Games, Olympic Games, and any other competitions that Guam Aquatics may in its discretion recognize as a Flag Event.

2025 Pacific Mini Games, Palau [25M Short Course], June 29 to July 9, 2025

The 12th Pacific Mini Games will be held in Koror, Palau from June 29 to July 9, 2025. The swimming events will be held June 29 to July 4.

Only those athletes who achieve the qualifying times in the events set out below are eligible for consideration to attend the Games. Entry times must be achieved at a Guam Aquatics or GNOC-sanctioned event, either in a 25m pool or a 50m pool, within the period November 1, 2023 to February 28, 2025. Times achieved outside this qualifying period will not be accepted.

Athletes must be at least 14-years old as of 31st December 2025.

Download qualifying times

2005 South Pacific Mini Games Results

Only entry times from events with distances of 100 meters or more shall be accepted for qualification purposes. If qualified to attend, athletes may swim event distances of 50 meters at the competition.

Athletes who equal or better the posted QT in one or more events are preliminarily qualified for consideration to participate in the Pacific Mini Games, provided that all other qualification and eligibility requirements are met. This includes (but is not limited to), the athlete’s rank & times, technical skill, age, maturity, fitness, residency, citizenship, ethics, and behavior.

Athletes entered in individual events can be used in relays, even if they have not achieved the QT for the corresponding stroke and distance of the relay in which they are entered.

No one has the right or entitlement to participate in the competition. There is also no guarantee of selection. At all times, the final selection of athletes and officials to the team, including event entries, is subject to the discretion of Guam Aquatics, the Guam National Olympic Committee, and/or the relevant organizing committee.


**Qualifying times for the Pacific Mini Games are guided by the 1991 order of the GNOC Executive Board that qualification to participate shall be equal to the times of the third (3rd) place finishers in the “A” finals for each event as achieved during the last edition of the relevant Games. Subject to GNOC’s approval, Guam Aquatics may allow for minimum QTs equal to the time achieved by the last place finisher in the “A” finals for each event, which is typically the 6th or 8th place depending on the competition.

ANNOUNCEMENT: 2024 Oceania Champs scheduled for April 18-25, 2024

Oceania Aquatics has announced that the Oceania Swimming Championships will be held next year in Gold Coast, Australia from April 18-25, with competition taking place between April 21 to 24. The 2020 and 2022 editions of the Champs were cancelled due to the Covid pandemic.

In order to be preliminarily considered for the team, athletes shall meet the posted qualifying times and criteria. All times must be earned at a GSF or GNOC-sanctioned event held between September 1, 2022 through February 29, 2024.

Download a PDF of the qualifying times

2027 Pacific Games Tahiti [50m], July 24 to August 7, 2027

The XVIII Pacific Games (Pirae 2027) will be held in Pirae, Tahiti from July 24 to August 7, 2027.

Only those athletes who achieve the qualifying times in the events set out below are eligible for consideration to attend the Games. Entry times must be achieved at a Guam Aquatics or GNOC-sanctioned event, either in a 25m or a 50m pool, within the qualifying period of December 1, 2025 to March 30, 2027. Times achieved outside this qualifying period will not be accepted.

Download qualifying times

2023 Pacific Games Solomon Islands Results

Only entry times from events with distances of 100 meters or more shall be accepted for qualification purposes. If qualified to attend, athletes may swim event distances of 50 meters at the competition.

Athletes who equal or better the posted QT in one or more events are preliminarily qualified for consideration to participate in the Pacific Games, provided that all other qualification and eligibility requirements are met. This includes (but is not limited to), the athlete’s rank & times, technical skill, age, maturity, fitness, residency, citizenship, ethics, and behavior.

Athletes entered in individual events can be used in relays, even if they have not achieved the QT for the corresponding stroke and distance of the relay in which they are entered.

No one has the right or entitlement to participate in the competition. There is also no guarantee of selection. At all times, the final selection of athletes and officials to the team, including event entries, is subject to the discretion of Guam Aquatics, the Guam National Olympic Committee, and/or the relevant organizing committee.


*If no times earned in a 50-meter distance pool are available, then times earned in a 25-yard or 25-meter distance pool may be submitted to Guam Aquatics for consideration. All times must be for distances of 100 meters or more.

**Qualifying time standards for the Pacific Games, the Micronesian Games, and other GNOC-sanctioned events are guided by the 1991 order of the GNOC Executive Board that qualification to participate shall be minimally based on the times of the third (3rd) place finishers in the “A” finals for each event as achieved during the last edition of the relevant Games, which was 2023 Solomon Islands. Subject to GNOC’s approval, Guam Aquatics may allow for minimum QTs equal to the time achieved by the last place finisher in the “A” finals for each event, which is typically the 6th or 8th place depending on the competition.