Summer McIntosh sets new world record in 400m freestyle
- Summer McIntosh clocked 3:54.18 at the Canadian Swimming Trials, surpassing the previous world record.
- This remarkable swim serves as a prelude to the World Championships in Singapore.
- McIntosh's performance establishes her as a leading contender in the upcoming swimming events.
In Canada, Summer McIntosh shattered the women's 400 metres freestyle world record during the Canadian Swimming Trials, held in Victoria, British Columbia. The 18-year-old accomplished an impressive time of 3 minutes 54.18 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 3 minutes 55.38 seconds set by Australian swimmer Ariarne Titmus at the 2023 World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan. This event took place on a Saturday, making it a significant moment in competitive swimming and indicating McIntosh's readiness for the upcoming World Championships set to take place in Singapore from July 11 to August 3, 2025. The Canadian swimming sensation noted that her rigorous training over the preceding months prepared her for this moment, providing her with both confidence and capability. Despite her expectations, she was surprised by the remarkable time, reflecting her growth and development in the sport. McIntosh is planning to compete in seven events overall, showcasing her versatility and talent as an athlete. Among the events listed are the 800m freestyle and various individual medleys, with her aiming to excel in five of them at the World Championships. Historically, McIntosh has already made her mark by becoming the first Canadian to win three gold medals at a single Olympic Games held in Paris. She clinched gold in the 400m individual medley, the 200m butterfly, and the 200m individual medley, and also secured a silver medal in the 400m freestyle. Given her pedigree, her quest for further medals in Singapore adds to the anticipation surrounding her performance. With the absence of Titmus from the season, her main competition appears to be Katie Ledecky. McIntosh expressed her readiness to go head-to-head with Ledecky, emphasizing her confidence following her new record. Moreover, the audience's support buoyed her spirits during her race, helping her to push through the final stretches of the event, which are generally challenging for her. This surge culminated in her historic performance, signaling not only a personal milestone but also posing tremendous excitement for her future endeavors in the swimming realm.