Summer McIntosh, who holds the world record in the women’s 400-meter freestyle, did not qualify for the A final at the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in Irvine, California. Despite being in a strong position to finish second in the morning heat behind Australia’s Lani Pallister, McIntosh narrowly placed third, securing the ninth overall spot with a time of 4:08.56, which was 14 seconds slower than her record time. China’s Fan Yaqi, a 15-year-old competitor, clinched the eighth and final spot for the 10:07 p.m. ET final with a time of 4:08.36.
The Canadian swimming sensation, 19-year-old McIntosh from Toronto, expressed her disappointment and took responsibility for her performance in a post on Instagram. She mentioned that she would be competing in the B final at 10:01 p.m. alongside her teammate Ella Cosgrove, who finished 13th overall. The live stream of the event can be viewed on CBCSports.ca and CBC Gem.
In a previous event at the Canadian swimming trials in Victoria last June, McIntosh set a new record of 3:54.18 in the women’s 400-meter freestyle, surpassing the record set by retired Australian swimmer Ariarne Titmus in 2023. The much-anticipated A final of the Pan Pacific Championships featured a showdown between American record-holder Katie Ledecky, Lani Pallister, and McIntosh, with Ledecky leading the qualifying round in 4:03.48 and Pallister securing fourth place with a time of 4:05.22.
McIntosh’s debut at the Pan Pacifics saw her win silver in the women’s 200 free on Wednesday, finishing just behind Pallister. She continued her success by breaking the championship record in the 400 individual medley on Thursday with a time of 4:28.01. Additionally, McIntosh, along with her teammates, claimed bronze in the women’s 200 free relay. The talented swimmer is set to compete in the 200 IM on Saturday.
The championship events at the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships have been captivating viewers, and McIntosh’s journey through highs and lows has been closely followed. Despite missing out on the A final in the 400-meter freestyle, McIntosh remains determined and grateful for the support she has received from fans.