MONTREAL: Canadian swimming sensation Summer McIntosh has rewritten the record books once again, breaking the women’s 200m individual medley world record at the Canadian Olympic trials on Monday with a blistering time of 2:05.70.
The 18-year-old phenom smashed the previous mark of 2:06.12, set by Hungary’s Katinka Hosszu at the 2015 World Championships, becoming the first woman ever to swim the event under 2:06.
This marks McIntosh’s second world record of the meet, following her jaw-dropping performance in the 400m freestyle on Saturday. She also delivered a remarkable showing in the 800m freestyle on Sunday, notching the third-fastest time in history in that event.
Despite a packed schedule, McIntosh showed no signs of fatigue in British Columbia, electrifying the crowd with a nearly flawless swim.
“Overall, I’m really happy with that time,” McIntosh said after her record-setting race. “The 200 IM is one of my main events, and it really requires perfect execution. There’s no room for error — it’s like a sprint.”
The teenager’s strategy was clear and effective: strong starts in butterfly and backstroke, followed by a much-improved breaststroke—her weakest stroke—and a dominant freestyle finish to demolish the record.
Asked how she managed the performance after a demanding weekend, McIntosh said, “Recovery, sleep, lots of food — and staying mentally calm. I’ve had good practice with that the past few years.”
Looking ahead to next month’s World Championships in Singapore, McIntosh said the result gives her a strong confidence boost.
Behind her, Mary-Sophie Harvey finished second in 2:08.78, while Ashley McMillan placed third in 2:12.08.
McIntosh’s record reinforces her status as one of the most dominant and versatile swimmers of her generation, and a top contender for Olympic gold in Paris 2024.
