Summer McIntosh delivered a stunning performance at the Canadian Swimming Trials, breaking the women’s 400m freestyle world record with a time of 3 minutes 54.18 seconds. The 18-year-old’s victory in Victoria, British Columbia, sends a strong message ahead of the World Championships in Singapore next month.
McIntosh, a triple Olympic champion and former holder of the world record in the event, demolished the previous mark of 3:55.38 set by Australia’s Ariarne Titmus at the 2023 World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan.
“Heading into tonight, I knew my training had gone really well in recent months, and I felt something special was possible,” said McIntosh. “I didn’t expect a 3:54.1, but I’m thrilled with the result.”
The race was McIntosh’s debut at the trials, which serve as the selection meet for the upcoming world championships from July 11 to August 3. She is slated to compete in seven events during the trials, including the 800m freestyle, 400m and 200m individual medleys, 200m freestyle, 200m butterfly, and 200m backstroke.
For Singapore, McIntosh plans to contest five events. After claiming gold in the 200m butterfly, 200m medley, and 400m medley at the Paris Olympics, she’ll aim to expand her current total of four world titles. With Titmus taking a break from competition this season, her main rival in the 400m freestyle will likely be American star Katie Ledecky.
Reflecting on her record-breaking race, McIntosh said, “Honestly, I didn’t feel much pain out there. I felt strong the whole way through, which is unusual for me in this event. Usually, the last 100 is really tough, but at the 200-meter mark, I was still cruising. That’s when I realized I was on for a strong swim.”
“The crowd’s energy gave me a sense that I was close to the world record,” she added. “I really pushed in the final stretch for them.”
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