Summer McIntosh, a 19-year-old swimmer from Toronto, has once again made waves in the pool in 2025. She was named The Canadian Press female athlete of the year for the third consecutive year. McIntosh’s remarkable achievements included clinching four gold medals at the world championship in Singapore and breaking three world records at national trials.
At the world championship, McIntosh became only the second woman to secure gold in four individual events at a single world championship, a feat previously accomplished by American swimmer Katie Ledecky in 2015. Her outstanding performance was set up during the national trials in Victoria, where she shattered world records in the 400-metre freestyle, individual medley, and 200-metre individual medley.
Expressing her confidence, McIntosh shared her goal of winning five gold medals in five races in Singapore. She emphasized her determination to strive for gold in every race she competes in, particularly at major events like the Olympics or world championships. At the championship, McIntosh triumphed in the 400 and 200 individual medleys, 400 freestyle, and 200 butterfly, while also securing a bronze in the 800 freestyle.
McIntosh’s exceptional achievements in 2025 garnered praise and admiration, leading her to receive The Canadian Press female athlete award for the third consecutive year. She received 34 out of 53 votes, surpassing other notable athletes such as rugby player Sophie de Goede, tennis player Victoria Mboko, and cyclist Magdeleine Vallieres.
After a successful run at the Paris Olympics in 2024, McIntosh relocated her training base to France to work with coach Fred Vergnoux before moving to Austin, Texas, post the world championships to train with accomplished athletes like Michael Phelps’ coach Bob Bowman, Frenchman Leon Marchand, and American stars Regan Smith and Simone Manuel.
Despite facing challenges such as illness in 2025, McIntosh displayed resilience and secured victories at the U.S. Open in December. Looking ahead, with no major championships scheduled for 2026, McIntosh aims to continue her pursuit of breaking world records and achieving new milestones in her swimming career.