Summer McIntosh, the current world record-holder in the women’s 400-meter freestyle, did not qualify for the A final at the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in Irvine, California. In the morning heat, McIntosh was narrowly edged out by Australia’s Lani Pallister, finishing third and ninth overall with a time of 4:08.56, which was 14 seconds slower than her record time. China’s Fan Yaqi, aged 15, secured the final spot for the 10:07 p.m. ET final with a time of 4:08.36.
McIntosh, a 19-year-old Canadian standout from Toronto, expressed her regret for misjudging the morning heats in an Instagram post. She will compete in the B final at 10:01 p.m. alongside her teammate Ella Cosgrove, who placed 13th overall. The live stream of the event can be accessed on CBCSports.ca and CBC Gem.
In June, McIntosh set a new record of 3:54.18 at the Canadian swimming trials in Victoria, surpassing the previous record set by the now-retired Ariarne Titmus of Australia. The anticipated A final at the William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center featured a showdown between American record-holder Katie Ledecky, Pallister, and McIntosh. Ledecky claimed the top qualifying spot with a time of 4:03.48, while Pallister secured fourth place with a time of 4:05.22.
During her Pan Pacs debut, McIntosh won silver in the women’s 200 free and set a championship record in the 400 individual medley. She also earned a bronze medal in the women’s 200 free relay. McIntosh is set to compete in the 200 IM on Saturday.
The event has been full of highs and lows for McIntosh, who remains optimistic and appreciates the support from her fans as she prepares for the upcoming races.
