Summer McIntosh of Toronto kicked off her Pan Pacific Swimming Championships campaign with a second-place finish in the women’s 200m freestyle in Irvine, Calif. The 19-year-old completed the race in 1:53.86, coming in just behind Australia’s Lani Pallister who set a championship record of 1:53.67. Erika Fairweather from New Zealand secured third place with a time of 1:55.05. Despite her performance, McIntosh expressed disappointment, acknowledging that there is room for improvement in her races leading up to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
During the race, Pallister initially led McIntosh by a small margin, but McIntosh managed to take the lead halfway through. However, Pallister surged ahead in the final stretch, ultimately securing the gold medal.
Before this event, McIntosh had not competed in the 200m freestyle internationally since the 2023 world championships. She emphasized that her training for the 200m freestyle aligns well with her preparation for the 400m freestyle event.
McIntosh, known for her prowess in various swimming disciplines, holds world records in the 200m butterfly, 200m individual medley, 400m freestyle, and 400m individual medley. After overcoming illness and dedicating herself to preparation, McIntosh entered the Pan Pacific Championships in top form.
In another notable performance, Blake Tierney from Saskatoon clinched the gold medal in the men’s 100m backstroke, marking his first international gold medal win. Tierney attributed his success to rigorous training and emphasized the importance of preparation in achieving such results.
Taylor Ruck, a seasoned swimmer from Kelowna, added to Canada’s medal tally by winning bronze in the women’s 50m butterfly and 100m backstroke finals. Ruck broke her own Canadian record in the 50m butterfly event, displaying her continuous improvement and commitment to excellence.
The Canadian team also excelled in the 4×100 medley relay, securing a bronze medal. The United States and Australia claimed gold and silver, respectively, in a highly competitive race that showcased the talent and teamwork of the participating nations.