Eighteen-year-old Summer McIntosh has just delivered one of the most dominant performances in swimming history — and yet, it’s her humility that’s making headlines around the world.
At the 2025 Canadian swimming trials in Victoria, McIntosh shattered three world records — in the 400m freestyle, 400m individual medley, and 200m individual medley. She also set Canadian records in two other events and posted all-time top-three performances in the 800m freestyle and 200m butterfly. And then, after each win, she stunned fans again — by tossing her gold medals into the crowd for young children to keep.
“Seeing the reaction of the little girls and boys, it’s 10 times better than me keeping them in a memory box,” McIntosh said. “I’d rather give them away and spread the joy.”
From admiring Penny Oleksiak as a young fan to becoming a two-time Olympian and global swimming powerhouse, McIntosh’s trajectory is meteoric. She now headlines Canada’s 26-member swim team heading to the 2025 world championships in Singapore — and has her sights set on five gold medals at the LA 2028 Olympics.
Behind her breakout is French Olympic coach Fred Vergnoux, who has helped sharpen her focus and technique. “Summer is in a different league,” he said. “She’s making the extraordinary look normal — but this is not normal.”
Even as comparisons to Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky swirl, McIntosh remains relentlessly driven. “I’m not the chaser anymore — I’m the hunted,” she said. “I know I can push the boundaries of the sport.”
And she’s just getting started.
Swifteradio.com
