Summer McIntosh Sets New World Record at Canadian Trials

Saanich, British Columbia — Summer McIntosh broke the world record in the 200-meter individual medley on Monday at the Canadian swimming trials. The 18-year-old eclipsed the previous record held by Hungary’s Katinka Hosszu, which had stood for a decade.

McIntosh touched the wall in 2:05.70, surpassing Hosszu’s mark from the 2015 World Championships by 0.42 seconds. This feat marked the second time she set a world record in just three days, having previously set a record in the 400-meter freestyle on Saturday.

“It’s been one of those records that’s always been in the back of my mind since trials two years ago,” McIntosh said. “I’ve been knocking on the door on this one. I’ve just tried to chip away at it. To finally do it, it’s kind of like ‘Wow, I’ve finally got that done.’”

Dominant in the water, McIntosh also achieved the third-fastest women’s time in the 800-meter freestyle on Sunday. She has won multiple Olympic medals, including gold in the 200-meter butterfly and the individual medley events at the Paris Games.

“Setting a new mark in the 200 IM was a real confidence booster heading into the World Championships in Singapore in July and August,” she added. “There’s no room for mistakes, and it’s kind of a sprint event for me.”

McIntosh continues to establish herself as a leading figure in competitive swimming, holding the world record in the 400 IM with a time of 4:24.38 set at last year’s trials.