Canadian swimming sensation Summer McIntosh is set to take her elite career to the next level by joining Bob Bowman’s professional training group in Austin, Texas, after the 2024 World Championships. Bowman, known for coaching Michael Phelps to a record 23 Olympic gold medals, now leads the University of Texas swim program and a high-performance pro squad.
In an exclusive CBC Sports interview, the 18-year-old confirmed the long-speculated move, calling it “inevitable” given her event focus aligns closely with Bowman’s expertise. McIntosh will begin training in Austin in late August, bypassing NCAA competition to join Bowman’s pro group that includes Olympic champions like Léon Marchand, Regan Smith, and Simone Manuel.
“Bob has been absolutely incredible throughout the whole process,” McIntosh said, noting his consistency in producing world-class athletes gives her confidence ahead of her ambitious goal of winning five individual golds at the L.A. 2028 Olympics.
McIntosh has spent much of this year training under Fred Vergnoux in France, praising his emotional connection and training culture at the Antibes swim club. She will continue with Vergnoux through the Canadian trials and world championships before relocating.
At the Canadian trials from June 7-12 in Victoria, McIntosh will compete daily. Four of her five world championship events are set — 400m freestyle, 200m/400m individual medley, and 200m butterfly. She hinted that her fifth event may be the 800m freestyle, as her training has shifted toward greater aerobic conditioning.
Before her move to Texas, McIntosh is focused on leading Team Canada into another historic summer. She already made Olympic history in Paris by becoming the first Canadian to win three golds at a single Games.
Swifteradio.com
