The iconic Lorne Pier to Pub open water swim is set for a star-studded edition in 2026, with two of Australia's Olympic swimming champions confirming their participation. The event, a staple on Victoria's Surf Coast calendar, will welcome Mack Horton and Madi Wilson to its challenging 1.2-kilometre course.
Olympic Pedigree Meets Iconic Open Water
Mack Horton, the 2016 Rio Olympic gold medallist in the 400m freestyle, and Madi Wilson, a Tokyo 2020 Olympic relay gold and bronze medallist, will trade the pool lanes for the swells of Louttit Bay. Their entry adds a new layer of elite competition to the world's largest open water swimming event, which regularly attracts thousands of participants.
The announcement was made by event organisers, generating significant buzz within the Australian sporting community. Both athletes have expressed enthusiasm for testing their skills in a different aquatic environment. The Pier to Pub presents a unique challenge with its variable ocean conditions, a stark contrast to the controlled setting of an Olympic pool.
Event Details and Community Impact
The 2026 Lorne Pier to Pub is scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2026. Horton and Wilson are expected to compete in the prestigious ‘Celebrity and Invited Athletes’ race, which kicks off the day's proceedings. Their involvement is anticipated to draw even larger crowds to the seaside town of Lorne, providing a major boost to local tourism and community spirit.
Event director John Guthrie highlighted the significance of their commitment. "Having athletes of Mack and Madi's calibre choose to compete at the Pier to Pub is a tremendous honour," he said. "It underscores the event's reputation and will inspire a new generation of swimmers, from nippers to national squad members, to get involved in open water swimming."
Wilson, known for her freestyle and backstroke prowess, noted the appeal of the event's famous finish. "The idea of swimming from the pier and finishing at the pub is such a uniquely Australian experience," she remarked. Horton, a vocal advocate for clean sport and environmental causes, also praised the community-focused nature of the event.
A Legacy of Champions and Participation
The inclusion of Horton and Wilson continues a tradition of high-profile athletes tackling the Pier to Pub. The event has previously seen the likes of Ian Thorpe, Grant Hackett, and Cate Campbell dive in alongside everyday swimmers. This blend of elite competition and mass participation is a hallmark of the event's enduring success.
Beyond the celebrity race, the 2026 event will feature all its usual categories, including the 1.2km main swim, a 600m junior event, and team competitions. Organisers are preparing for another record turnout, with online registrations expected to open in mid-2025.
The participation of these Olympians is more than just a headline; it reinforces the Pier to Pub's status as a cornerstone of Australian summer sport. It bridges the gap between the highest levels of athletic achievement and the grassroots joy of community competition, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Great Ocean Road.
