Canadian swimming sensation Summer McIntosh is aiming for an extraordinary achievement at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles after securing multiple gold medals in previous competitions. Inspired by the legendary Michael Phelps, who holds the record for most gold medals in a single Games, McIntosh envisions a historic performance in Los Angeles, where the iconic SoFi Stadium will host the swimming events.
McIntosh, a 19-year-old rising star from Toronto, expressed her excitement and determination during a recent interview with CBC Sports. She is currently gearing up for the Pan Pacific championships in Irvine, California, a prestigious event that draws top swimmers from around the world. This competition, which is held every four years, features powerhouse nations such as Australia, the United States, and Canada.
The Pan Pacs kicked off with open-water events in Long Beach, with Canadian swimmer Emma Finlin making a notable performance. McIntosh, alongside a team of 42 Canadian athletes, including Taylor Ruck and other medalists from recent competitions, is set to compete in various events over the course of four days.
While McIntosh initially planned to participate in five events, she decided to focus on four key races to optimize her performance. Notably, she opted out of the 800m freestyle and the 200m butterfly, choosing instead to compete in events where she holds world records and previous victories.
Among the international stars to watch at the Pan Pacs are American standout Katie Ledecky and Australian sensation Lanni Pallister. McIntosh will face tough competition in events like the 400m freestyle, renewing rivalries and aiming to showcase her prowess on the world stage.
Viewers can catch all the thrilling action of the Pan Pacific championships live on the CBC Gem streaming app and CBC Sports website, with morning heats starting at 1 p.m. ET and finals at 10 p.m. ET each day.