McIntosh Sets New World Record
Summer McIntosh, 19, shatters 200-meter butterfly world record at Canadian trials.
Nineteen-year-old Canadian swimmer Summer McIntosh broke the longest-standing individual world record in women's swimming on Friday, clocking 2 minutes 1.65 seconds in the 200-meter butterfly at the Canadian trials, according to AP News. The previous record of 2:01.81 was set by China's Liu Zige in 2009 — making it a 16-year-old mark that many thought might never fall.
The swim also comes with a major storyline off the pool deck. It marks the first competition for McIntosh since she relocated to Texas and began training under Bob Bowman, the legendary coach who guided Michael Phelps to a record 23 Olympic gold medals, TSN reported.
A 16-Year Record Falls in Canadian Waters
Liu Zige set the 200-meter butterfly world record at the 2009 World Championships in Rome. It became the oldest standing individual world record in women's swimming — surviving more than a decade of elite competition. McIntosh erased it by 0.16 seconds, according to AP News.
The Canadian trials were not even a major international meet. Breaking a world record at a domestic qualifying event makes the performance even more striking. McIntosh touched the wall, and the scoreboard showed a time no woman had ever swum before.
McIntosh's New Coach, New Home, New Records
McIntosh recently moved to Texas to train under Bob Bowman, TSN reported. Bowman is best known for coaching Michael Phelps, who won 23 Olympic gold medals — more than any athlete in history. The partnership signals that McIntosh is preparing for the biggest stage in world swimming.
This was her first race under Bowman's program. Breaking a 16-year world record in that debut is a rare kind of statement. It suggests her new training environment is already delivering results.
Triple Olympic Gold Medalist Eyes More Hardware
McIntosh is already a proven champion. She won three gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, making her one of the most decorated swimmers Canada has ever produced, according to WSBTV. She was just 18 at the time of those Games.
Now 19 and training with one of the greatest coaches in the sport's history, McIntosh appears to be entering a new phase. A world record at a trials meet suggests her best performances may still be ahead of her.
What This Record Means for Women's Swimming
World records in swimming do not fall often. The 200-meter butterfly mark had survived every major championship since 2009 — including four Olympic Games. McIntosh's time of 2:01.65 is now the new benchmark every swimmer in the world will chase, according to AP News.
The record also raises expectations heading into the 2025 World Championships. McIntosh is now the clear favorite in the event. If her form holds, she could dominate the 200-meter butterfly for years to come.
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