At 17, Summer McIntosh is already in the same league as swimming greats like Katie Ledecky. The Canadian phenom has showcased individual brilliance at her Olympic debut in Paris. However, despite her best efforts, the 3x Olympic medalist has failed to earn two out of a possible five swimming medals. These losses have come in the team events.

Despite possessing an ace in the form of the Toronto native, team Canada has failed to reach the podium in the 4x100m and 4x200m freestyle relays. Unlike men, women’s swimming has found its current hierarchy. During both events, Canada fell to fourth as the Australian team roared to a first-place finish, followed by the USA and China. However, McIntosh isn’t backing down!

“It’s been a pretty amazing Games for me, but I’m not done yet,” Summer McIntosh told the press after her historic individual 200m butterfly event. “I’m really happy with the time even though I definitely think I had 2:02 in me… I think my finish was a little bit weird, but yeah, I can never be upset with that best time, especially by that margin,” she added.

The 17-year-old also touched on the disappointment of the team events on the eve of her 200m butterfly victory. “We’re pretty disappointed with that result,” McIntosh said during the press conference. Yet, despite falling short the swimmer was also proud of her young team. The swimmer expressed confidence that they’ll become a well-oiled unit by the time LA 2028 rolls around.

That confidence also extended to the upcoming mixed 4x100m medley relay. The mixed event will be Summer McIntosh and Canada’s shot at redemption following back-to-back snubs against their rivals. Yet all eyes are now on the clash of titans where the Canadian will get a chance to prove herself against legends.

Summer McIntosh will compete in a historic 200m showdown

When Summer McIntosh said she wasn’t done yet, the swimmer spoke about one of the most anticipated races in Paris. The first Canadian woman to claim two individual golds in a single Games will challenge champions in the 200m IM. Olympic champions Kate Douglass, Kaylee McKeown, and Alex Walsh, will compete alongside the Canadian swimmer for gold.

In a way, the 200 IM gives Summer McIntosh a chance to avenge her team-event losses. Kate Douglass and Alex Walsh represent Team USA, while McKeown is a rising Australian talent. However, it won’t be easy for the Canadian. Douglass will come into the event as the third-fastest woman in the event (for 2024), while McKeown is the second-fastest.

Meanwhile, Alex Walsh will only participate in the 200 IM, which means she’ll be considerably fresher than her competition. So only time will tell if Summer McIntosh has what it takes to add to her Olympic medal tally.

How do you think the future will pan out for the Canadian? Let us know in the comments below.