A Historic Achievement

In a decision that requires no justification, Summer McIntosh has been overwhelmingly voted as The Canadian Press’s Female Athlete of the Year for 2024. This accolade follows her historic performance at the Paris Olympics, where the talented young swimmer celebrated her 18th birthday by becoming the first Canadian ever to secure three gold medals in a single Olympic Games—an unprecedented achievement in both summer and winter competitions. To top it off, she also won a silver medal, bringing her total to four podium finishes.

Unanimous Recognition

The recognition was nearly unanimous among sports editors, producers, and reporters from across Canada, with McIntosh receiving 52 out of 53 votes. The sole dissenting vote went to Hallie Clarke, a skeleton world champion from Brighton, Ontario. TSN's managing producer Jamie Bell succinctly stated, "Three golds at the Olympics. No other reason needed," underscoring McIntosh's extraordinary accomplishment.

A Grateful Champion

McIntosh, who also received this prestigious honor in 2023, expressed her gratitude, saying, “It's always an honor, but to do it for a second year in a row is incredible." Previous winners of this title include notable athletes such as Marie-Philip Poulin, Hayley Wickenheiser, and Bianca Andreescu, all of whom have made significant impacts in their respective sports.

An Olympic Journey

During the Paris Games, McIntosh showcased her determination and prowess by completing 13 races across nine days at La Defense Arena, ascending the podium four times in total. This included her stunning silver medal in the women's 400-metre freestyle, which set the stage for an electrifying series of events that followed. In the 400-metre individual medley, McIntosh not only claimed gold but did so by an impressive margin of nearly six seconds—the largest victory margin in that event in the last 40 years, according to World Aquatics.

Reflections and Records

Reflecting on her Olympic journey, McIntosh remarked, “Getting gold was definitely a possibility, and when I achieved it, all my hard work and training paid off.” She continued to solidify her status as a legend-in-the-making by winning gold in the 200-metre butterfly, an event her mother Jill Horstead also competed in at the 1984 Olympics, and the 200-metre individual medley in Olympic-record time.

A Symbol of Canadian Pride

Further cementing her legacy, McIntosh had the honor of carrying the Canadian flag in the closing ceremonies alongside hammer thrower Ethan Katzberg, marking a significant moment for Canadian pride.

Media Praise

“Summer McIntosh had the weight of her country on her shoulders, yet she managed to deliver one of the most remarkable Olympic performances in Canadian history. That’s a champion,” wrote Phil King, sports production editor for The Globe and Mail.

Looking Ahead

As she gears up for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, McIntosh is committed to maximizing her potential in the sport she loves. “I am still so young, and I want to remain in swimming as long as I enjoy it,” she said. “Every time I race, I'm reminded why I love it so much. All I want is to reach my full potential.”

Continued Success

Ending the year on a high note, McIntosh continued her winning streak by dominating the women's 400 freestyle, 200 butterfly, and 400 individual medley at the December world short-course championships in Budapest—eclipsing records in each event.

Balanced Life

Currently training with the Sarasota Sharks in Florida under coach Brent Arckey, McIntosh is also focused on completing her high school education, with plans to graduate in 2025. She keeps her Olympic medals safely stored in a wooden box, each wrapped delicately to avoid damage, and enjoys sharing her victories with others who express interest.

Inspiring Future Generations

“Just knowing that I'm inspiring people is really cool,” she shared, emphasizing her motivation to continue excelling in swimming as she looks toward the future.

Conclusion

Summer McIntosh’s triumphs not only shine a light on her individual achievements but also elevate the stature of Canadian sports on the global stage as she inspires a new generation of athletes. Stay tuned for what this remarkable swimmer will accomplish next!