Medellin, the vibrant city nestled in Colombia's mountains, is making waves in the swimming world. But is it becoming a swimming city? With a new aquatic complex and Colombia's first-ever World Cup stop in 2026, Medellin is set to dive into the spotlight. The city's mayor, Federico Gutierrez, has announced the construction of a massive park and recreational center, featuring two Olympic-sized and two semi-Olympic swimming pools. This aquatic center, named after a former General Inspector, will be a splashy addition to the city's landscape. But Medellin's swimming ambitions go beyond its new venue. The city has recently hosted back-to-back historic championship meets, including the Pan American Aquatics Championships and the Artistic Swimming World Cup, marking the first-ever World Cup event in the country. However, Medellin's elevation of 1,500 meters above sea level may pose a challenge for top-tier swimming events. Despite this, the city's growing capacity for hosting international events and visitors is evident, with a 23% increase in international tourism in 2024 and a projected 25% growth in business-related tourism in the next three years. So, is Medellin becoming a swimming city? The answer may be found in the waves of excitement and anticipation building around its new aquatic center and international events.
