Canadian swimming sensation Summer McIntosh has set her sights on winning five individual gold medals at the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics in two years. Her performance at this week’s Pan Pacific swimming championships, held in the same city as the 2028 Olympics, will provide a crucial indication of her current standing.
As McIntosh, who is on the cusp of turning 20 next week, arrived for the championships, she expressed her excitement about the upcoming Games. Reflecting on flying over the stadium, she shared, “I was just imagining what I hope to do there. Every day, I think about L.A., and I’m so thrilled for it. Being in California holds special significance for me as it is the state where the Olympics will take place.”
Having clinched three gold medals at the Paris Olympics, McIntosh has become a standout figure in the swimming world. She currently holds four individual long-course world records in various events, including the 200m butterfly and the 400m freestyle. Notably, she shattered the women’s world record in the 200m fly at the Canadian trials in Montreal in July, marking a significant achievement.
Following her record-breaking performance, McIntosh had to withdraw from the trials due to illness but has since made a full recovery. She is now prepared to compete at the Pan Pacific championships, where she will be participating in multiple events under the mentorship of renowned coach Bob Bowman.
For McIntosh, this competition marks her first major international event under Bowman’s guidance. The young swimmer is eager to showcase her skills in races such as the 200m freestyle, emphasizing her enthusiasm for the challenge and the opportunity to compete against the world’s best athletes.
As McIntosh gears up for the Pan Pacs, she remains optimistic about her performance and is open to the possibility of setting new records. Both she and Bowman have been working towards peaking at this competition, with McIntosh expressing her excitement and anticipation for the event, viewing it as a stepping stone towards her ultimate goal of success in Los Angeles.