‘Incredible’: Canadian Teen Sensation Summer McIntosh Sets Second World Record in Just Three Days

Canadian teenage prodigy Summer McIntosh achieved a remarkable feat by breaking a world record for the second time in just three days on Tuesday (AEST) during her nation’s world championship trials. In a blistering performance, the 18-year-old recorded a stunning time of 2 minutes, 5.70 seconds in the 200-metre individual medley.

This achievement saw her eclipse the previous record of 2:06.12 set nearly a decade ago by Hungary’s Katinka Hosszu at the 2015 World Championships in Russia.

Just two days prior, McIntosh claimed the world record in the 400m freestyle, previously held by Australia’s Ariarne Titmus, clocking in at 3:54.18 and reducing Titmus’s time by a significant 1.20 seconds from her golden performance at the 2023 World Championships in Japan.

During the same three-day period at the trials in Canada, McIntosh’s time of 8:05.07 in the 800m freestyle brought her within a second of breaking American superstar Katie Ledecky’s world record.

CBC’s Olympic and Paralympic Games reporter Devin Heroux took to social media to express his astonishment at McIntosh’s accomplishments, deeming them “unbelievable.”

Responding to the loss of her world record during commentary, Titmus, who was reporting for Nine at Australia’s trials, acknowledged the sting of having her mark surpassed, stating, “It obviously stings a little when your world record gets broken, but I recognise how difficult it is to achieve such times.”

She added, “To break my world records, I spent years and years training for, and at just 18 to perform so exceptionally soon after the Olympic Games, she is truly a phenomenon.”

McIntosh currently holds the long-course world records in the 400m freestyle, the 200m individual medley, and the 400m individual medley. Additionally, she boasts the short-course world records for the same distances in both the freestyle and butterfly events.

Watch the 2025 Australian swimming trials live and free on Nine and 9Now, from June 9-14.

At just 17, McIntosh secured gold medals in both the 200m and 400m individual medley at last year’s Paris Olympics, alongside a gold in the 200m butterfly and a silver in the 400m freestyle, finishing just behind Titmus.

She is poised to be one of the most compelling athletes to follow at the upcoming world championships in Singapore, scheduled from July 28 to August 3.

After completing his victory in the 400m freestyle at the Australian trials, freestyle champion Sam Short sung McIntosh’s praises, remarking on her extraordinary world record. 

“Incredible,” Short said regarding her achievement in the 400m freestyle.

“I witnessed her performance at the TYR Pro Swim Series in Westmont this year, and I predicted, ‘She’s going to do something exceptional’ at the trials.”

“I thought she might break the 800m world record, coming so close to it.”

“She’s truly remarkable. Watching her swim is a joy.”

“Hopefully, her world record will inspire Arnie to push himself further.”

“It’s infectious; I love witnessing excellence in any sport. I was catching up on some highlights of the Tour de France earlier today for inspiration for tonight’s swim. I just adore watching greatness unfold.”