Canadian swimmer Summer McIntosh narrowly missed out on the gold medal by 0.02 seconds in the women’s 200-meter individual medley at the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships. She settled for silver behind China’s Yu Yiting, who set a championship record with a time of 2:07.45. American Alex Walsh secured the bronze in 2:07.66.
Yu started strong, swimming under world-record pace in the butterfly leg, but American Regan Smith briefly took the lead on the backstroke. Yu regained the lead on the breaststroke and managed to hold off McIntosh in the final meters.
Despite the silver in the 200m IM, McIntosh had a successful meet, winning gold in the 400m medley, silver in the 200m freestyle, and contributing to Canada’s bronze in the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay.
McIntosh, reflecting on her performance, expressed disappointment but also determination to improve in the future. As a 19-year-old, she acknowledged her achievements and growth, looking forward to learning more in her 20s.
In another event, Canadian Alexanne Lepage surprised by winning the women’s 200m breaststroke, beating reigning Olympic and world champion Kate Douglass. Lepage finished with a lifetime best of 2:21.73, while Douglass settled for silver with a time of 2:22.57. South Africa’s Kaylene Corbett took the bronze.
Canada finished the championships with 13 medals, including three golds, four silvers, and six bronzes, marking its best performance since 1997. The U.S. led the medal standings with 50, followed by Australia with 35 and Canada.
Additionally, Taylor Ruck set a new Canadian record in the women’s 50m freestyle, securing fourth place in a competitive final where Kate Douglass set a world record. Ruck expressed her satisfaction with her performance and the payoff of her hard work.
In a surprising turn, Australian Lani Pallister defeated Katie Ledecky in the 800m freestyle, marking Ledecky’s first international loss in the event. Pallister set a new championship record, finishing ahead of the four-time Olympic champion.
The championships also saw other notable performances, including Sam Short winning the men’s 1,500m freestyle and Jamie Jack clinching the men’s 50m freestyle title in a championship record time. The event showcased impressive achievements and memorable races from top swimmers around the world.