Summer McIntosh Wins Canadian Press Female Athlete of the Year Again

Summer McIntosh, a 19-year-old swimmer from Toronto, has been named the Canadian Press Female Athlete of the Year for the third consecutive time. This recognition comes after an impressive performance at the world championships held in Singapore, where McIntosh secured four gold medals and established herself as one of the leading figures in competitive swimming.

During the championships, McIntosh achieved a historic milestone by becoming only the second woman to win gold in four individual events at a single world championship, a feat previously accomplished by American swimmer Katie Ledecky in 2015. McIntosh’s dominance began earlier in the year when she set three world records at national trials in Victoria, lowering the benchmarks in the 400-metre freestyle, the individual medley, and the 200-metre individual medley.

Remarkable Achievements in Singapore

McIntosh’s confidence ahead of the Singapore meet was palpable, as she openly stated her goal of winning five gold medals across five races. “Whenever I go into a trials, I’m always trying to chase world records,” she reflected. “Going to Singapore was a challenge, but my focus was on getting my hand on the wall first in as many events as possible.” Her strategy paid off, with victories in the 400 and 200 individual medleys, the 400 freestyle, and the 200 butterfly. She also earned a bronze medal in the 800 freestyle, finishing behind Ledecky.

“Even all the way from Singapore, all of Swimming Canada, we all felt the love and support back home,” McIntosh shared after her remarkable achievements. “It keeps me motivated in the times where you might be tired or something, and you just have to keep pushing, knowing that Canada is behind you.”

The Canadian Press awards, determined by votes from editors, writers, and broadcasters from various news organizations across the country, recognized McIntosh’s achievements as overwhelmingly significant. She received 34 out of 53 votes, surpassing competitors such as rugby player Sophie de Goede with 8 votes, tennis player Victoria Mboko with 5, and cyclist Magdeleine Vallieres with 3. Other athletes like ski cross racer Marielle Thompson and hockey player Marie-Philip Poulin each received a vote.

A Legacy in the Making

McIntosh’s recognition marks a significant milestone in sports history, as she becomes only the second woman to win the CP’s female athlete award three years in a row, following figure skater Barbara Ann Scott from 1946 to 1948. The award, first established in 1932, has been given annually, except for four years during the Second World War and in 1950 and 2000 for special recognitions.

After winning three gold medals and one silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics, McIntosh relocated her training from Florida to France to work with coach Fred Vergnoux before the world championships. Subsequently, she moved to Austin, Texas, to join Bob Bowman’s professional training group. “2025 was a pretty crazy year for me just because I was moving around a lot,” she explained. “It was a significant learning experience and one of the most challenging training periods of my life.”

Bowman, renowned for coaching Michael Phelps to his record 23 Olympic gold medals, now mentors McIntosh alongside other elite athletes. “To have people this fast on the men’s and women’s side to push me every single day, there’s nothing like it,” she noted.

Despite facing health challenges in October, which included an undiagnosed illness and complications from a spinal tap, McIntosh rebounded strongly. She missed several World Cup events, including one in her home city, but made a triumphant return at the U.S. Open in December, winning the 400 freestyle in the second-fastest time ever recorded, just behind her own world record.

Looking ahead, McIntosh has set her sights on further improving her world records without the immediate pressure of upcoming Olympic or world championship events. “I’m really just focused on seeing if I can lower my own world records and break some new ones as well,” she stated, demonstrating her commitment to excellence in the sport.