Canadian swimmer Summer McIntosh narrowly missed out on a gold medal by 0.02 seconds in the women’s 200-meter individual medley at the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships. The Toronto native, who is the reigning Olympic and world champion, settled for silver behind China’s Yu Yiting, who set a championship record with a time of 2:07.45. American Alex Walsh claimed the bronze with a time of 2:07.66.
During the race, Yu started strong on the butterfly leg, with American Regan Smith briefly taking the lead on the backstroke. However, Yu regained the lead on the breaststroke and managed to hold off McIntosh in the final meters. This marked McIntosh’s third individual medal at the championships, having previously won gold in the 400m medley and silver in the 200m freestyle. She also contributed to Canada’s bronze in the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay.
Reflecting on her performance, McIntosh expressed that while it was one of her better swims, the overall meet did not go as she had hoped. The 19-year-old swimmer, who holds the world record in the event with a time of 2:05.70, looks forward to improving in the upcoming season.
In a separate event, fellow Canadian Alexanne Lepage clinched gold in the women’s 200m breaststroke, finishing with a lifetime best of 2:21.73. Lepage led the race from start to finish, beating out the reigning Olympic and world champion Kate Douglass of the United States, who settled for silver with a time of 2:22.57. South Africa’s Kaylene Corbett secured the bronze in 2:22.97.
Canada concluded the championships with a total of 13 medals (three gold, four silver, six bronze), marking its most successful performance since the 1997 edition in Fukuoka, Japan. The U.S. topped the overall medal standings with 50 medals, followed by Australia with 35 and Canada.
Additionally, Taylor Ruck set a new Canadian record in the women’s 50m freestyle, clocking a time of 24.23 to finish fourth in a competitive final. The event saw Douglass breaking the world record for the second time in the day with a remarkable time of 23.19.
In the men’s events, Sam Short of Australia claimed victory in the 1,500m freestyle, clocking 14:33.97 to set the sixth-fastest time in history and break Grant Hackett’s championship record. Jamie Jack of Australia won the men’s 50 free in a championship record time of 21.35.
The Pan Pacific Swimming Championships witnessed several remarkable performances from athletes across various nations, showcasing their talent and determination in the pool.
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