Summer McIntosh is making impressive strides towards her goal of winning five individual gold medals at the World Swimming Championships, currently taking place in Singapore. Her latest victory came on Monday night when she secured the title in the 200-metre individual medley, maintaining her quest to join the elite ranks of swimmers who have achieved five golds in a single long-course championship.
In her race, McIntosh started strong, leading her American competitor Alex Walsh by a substantial margin of 1.36 seconds at the halfway point. However, as the race progressed, her lead narrowed, and she turned for the final leg with only a 0.33-second advantage over Walsh. The American swimmer mounted a strong challenge, showcasing a swift breaststroke segment, clocking a time of 37.03 seconds, which surpassed McIntosh’s 38.06 seconds.
Commentator Mat Thompson noted the unexpected turn of events, hinting at a potential upset as Walsh closed in on McIntosh’s lead. As anticipation built, Australian swimming icon Ian Thorpe remarked on the intensity of the competition, highlighting that both swimmers were performing exceptionally well.
Nonetheless, McIntosh showcased her prowess during the freestyle leg, finishing in 30.16 seconds, allowing her to regain a decisive lead over Walsh, who finished her freestyle in 31.72 seconds. McIntosh ultimately touched the wall first, claiming the gold with a time of 2:06.69, while Walsh earned silver in 2:08.58 and Canadian teammate Mary-Sophie Harvey took bronze with a time of 2:09.15. A standout performance also came from 12-year-old Chinese swimmer Zidi Yu, who finished just shy of the podium in fourth place.
As the championships progress, McIntosh continues to chase the record previously set by renowned swimmer Michael Phelps, who achieved the remarkable feat of five individual gold medals at a single long-course championship in Melbourne in 2007. At just 18 years old, McIntosh’s journey resonates deeply within the swimming community, as she aims to carve her own legacy in the sport.