Summer McIntosh Makes History with Record-Breaking Week in Swimming

17-year-old Summer McIntosh makes history with three world records in one week at the Canadian swimming trials, setting the stage for the World Championships.

Summer McIntosh is already focusing on her next challenge after a historic week in swimming. The 17-year-old sensation broke three individual long-course world records at the Canadian swimming trials, a feat not achieved since Michael Phelps in 2008. McIntosh's impressive performance sets her up for the World Championships.

Summer McIntosh, who tops Canada's 28-member team for the World Championships in Singapore, believes there's room for improvement. “I can go over with my coach and see where to make improvements and really just use this as motivation and validation for my training so far,” she said. “Just keep pushing and moving forward and work even harder.”

Summer McIntosh made a stunning statement at the Canadian trials, breaking world records in the 400m freestyle, 200m individual medley, and 400m individual medley over five days in Victoria.

Summer McIntosh's impressive performance included three world records and five Canadian records. She also narrowly missed Katie Ledecky's 800m freestyle record and delivered the fastest 200m butterfly time since 2010.

After breaking the 400m IM world record, Summer McIntosh celebrated with fellow Canadian swimmer Penny Oleksiak, who famously described her as “all gas, no brakes.” Oleksiak gave McIntosh a big hug, lifting her off the ground. True to form, McIntosh then gifted her gold medal to a young fan in the stands.

Canadian Olympian Summer McIntosh, born in Toronto, breaks three world records in five days at the Canadian swimming trials. 🇨🇦💪👏 pic.twitter.com/G3cCJuPpNp

— Made In Canada (@MadelnCanada) June 13, 2025

Summer McIntosh wrapped up her historic week by posing for photos and chatting with fans outside the venue. “What a week Victoria! Had so much fun in the pool this week,” she posted on Instagram after withdrawing from the 200m freestyle.

Summer McIntosh credited coach Fred Vergnoux for her record-breaking performance, saying: “He's been absolutely amazing throughout this whole journey these past few months. He's really taken me to the next level in the sport and pushed me farther. I've gone way faster than I ever could have imagined.” Vergnoux has been training with her in Antibes, France since January.

Summer McIntosh praised her coach Fred Vergnoux, saying, “So props to him, he's done absolutely amazing with me. And we've only known each other for so long, so I feel that connection so quickly.” She comes from a sporting family: her mother, Jill Horstead, represented Canada at the 1984 Olympics, and her sister Brooke competed in pairs figure skating.

Summer McIntosh is set to compete in five individual events at the World Championships, starting July 14. She'll look to add to her record-breaking tally in the pool from July 26. McIntosh will then join coach Bob Bowman in Austin, Texas, following in the footsteps of Michael Phelps, who won five gold medals at the 2007 World Championships under Bowman's guidance.