The 1986 World Championships in Swimming took place in Madrid, Spain from July 7 to July 20. This event featured top swimmers from around the world competing in various styles and distances, showcasing their skills in the pool. The championships were part of the FINA World Aquatics Championships, which also included events in diving, water polo, and synchronized swimming. Athletes aimed to achieve personal bests and set new records, contributing to the rich history of competitive swimming.