Canadian swimmer Summer McIntosh has set ambitious goals for the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics in two years: aiming for five individual gold medals. Her participation in this week’s Pan Pacific swimming championships, hosted in the same city as the 2028 Olympics, serves as an initial gauge of her progress towards these objectives.
As McIntosh, who will soon turn 20, arrived for the championships, she expressed her excitement and determination for the upcoming Games. Reflecting on flying over the stadium where the Olympics will be held, she described the experience as a thrilling moment that fueled her aspirations for success in Los Angeles.
Having garnered three gold medals at the Paris Olympics, McIntosh has become a standout figure in the swimming world, holding four individual long-course world records. Notably, she recently shattered the women’s 200m butterfly world record at the Canadian trials in Montreal, marking a significant achievement in her career.
Following her record-breaking performance, McIntosh faced a setback due to illness but has since recovered and is now fully prepared for the Pan Pacific championships. She emphasized the importance of swiftly regaining her health to focus on the upcoming competition and prevent any further setbacks.
Competing at the William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center in Irvine, California, McIntosh joins the Canadian team for her debut at the Pan Pacs championships. Under the guidance of renowned coach Bob Bowman, McIntosh is set to compete in multiple events, including the 200m freestyle, 200m individual medley, and 400m freestyle.
Expressing anticipation for the challenges ahead, McIntosh aims to excel in her events and potentially set new records. With a focus on peaking at the Pan Pacs competition, she is poised to showcase her skills and determination in the pool, setting the stage for her journey towards the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
