Canadian swimming sensation Summer McIntosh, known for her remarkable achievements in recent competitions, is now eyeing an even greater goal at the upcoming 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. After clinching multiple gold medals at the 2024 Olympics and world championships in Singapore, McIntosh aims to match Michael Phelps’ historic feat of winning five individual gold medals at a single Games.
During a recent trip to southern California, McIntosh was filled with excitement as she flew over SoFi Stadium, the grand venue that will host swimming events at the 2028 Olympics. The 19-year-old from Toronto expressed her aspirations, stating that the sight of the stadium inspired her to envision her future successes.
In preparation for the 2028 Olympics, McIntosh is currently competing at the Pan Pacific championships in Irvine, California. This prestigious event, held every four years, brings together top swimmers from countries like Australia, the United States, Japan, and Canada. The competition kicked off with open-water events in Long Beach and will continue with pool events in Irvine, where McIntosh is set to participate in four key races.
While McIntosh’s schedule at the Pan Pacs does not include all her signature events, she remains focused on excelling in the 200m freestyle, 400m individual medley, 400m freestyle, and 200m individual medley. Coached by the renowned Bob Bowman, McIntosh holds world records and reigning titles in these events, showcasing her exceptional talent and determination.
Key matchups to watch at the Pan Pacs include McIntosh facing off against American star Katie Ledecky in the 400m freestyle, as well as Australia’s Lanni Pallister challenging Ledecky in the longer distances. Other standout swimmers to watch include Bobby Finke, Kate Douglass, and Gretchen Walsh from the United States, adding to the excitement and competitiveness of the event.
For fans eager to catch all the action, the Pan Pacific championships can be viewed 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.