Summer McIntosh Emerges as Frontrunner for 2024 Northern Star Award

The 2024 Northern Star Award, which recognizes Canada’s top athlete, is set to be awarded in the coming months. As the summer sports season concludes, Summer McIntosh has emerged as the clear frontrunner for this prestigious accolade.

The award can be given to athletes of any level, professional or amateur. This year has been particularly remarkable for Canadian athletes, and the last months of 2024 are expected to showcase more incredible performances. However, only one athlete can claim the title of Canada’s top athlete, and current odds favor McIntosh.

Summer McIntosh, at just 18 years old, has already established herself as one of Canada’s premier swimmers. After narrowly missing the podium in the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, she returned stronger in 2024, earning four medals in France—three gold and one silver. Her accomplishments included setting an Olympic record in the women’s 200m butterfly and logging the second-fastest time in the event’s history.

McIntosh’s historic achievements also involved becoming the first Canadian woman to win two individual gold medals in a Summer Olympics, a feat not accomplished since Donovan Bailey in 1996. Additionally, she is now the first Canadian to win three gold medals at a single Summer Olympics, tying with Penny Oleksiak for the most medals earned by a single Canadian athlete in one Olympic event.

While McIntosh holds the leading position for the Northern Star Award, another strong contender is Connor McDavid. The superstar player for the Edmonton Oilers had a remarkable season, achieving a career-high of 100 assists and totaling 132 points, ranking third in the NHL. He played a significant role in the Oilers’ playoff run and made history by winning the Conn Smythe Award, despite his team not winning the Stanley Cup.

Another potential candidate for the award is Andre De Grasse. The celebrated sprinter concluded his Olympic career on a triumphant note by helping Canada secure its first gold medal in the 4x100m men’s relay. De Grasse’s performance in this event, particularly as he was part of a team that had long odds to succeed, has secured his legacy in Canadian athletics.

Experts are inclined to believe that the Northern Star Award is likely to go to McIntosh. Historical trends indicate Olympians have frequently been favored in this honor, with previous recipients hailing from Olympic backgrounds. Given McIntosh’s remarkable achievements this summer, many argue she has surpassed expectations and set new standards in swimming, making her the preferred choice for this year’s award.