Toronto’s own Summer McIntosh has once again proven she is in a league of her own. At just 18 years old, the elite swimmer shattered the world record in the women’s 400-metre freestyle, clocking a jaw-dropping 3:54.18 during the 2025 Bell Canadian Swimming Trials in Victoria, British Columbia.
The record-breaking swim, which took place Saturday evening, officially reclaims the world record from Australia’s Ariarne Titmus. Titmus had previously posted a 3:54.09 at the 2024 World Championships, but that time was never ratified by World Aquatics. As a result, McIntosh’s 3:54.18 is now recognized as the official world record in the event.
McIntosh’s performance was commanding from the outset. She took an early lead and maintained a steady pace, finishing well ahead of the competition and ahead of her own previous best. The swim earned her a standing ovation from fans and teammates alike at the Saanich Commonwealth Place.
She can’t and won’t slow down. Summer McIntosh take the west coast by storm swimming to a new World Record in 400 free on day 1.
🔗 https://t.co/ckxiiDqpZJ pic.twitter.com/89BY8AJiwm
— Swimming Canada / Natation Canada (@SwimmingCanada) June 8, 2025
This latest achievement adds to McIntosh’s growing resume of international success. She previously held the world record in the 400m freestyle in 2023 and has continued to push the limits of what is possible in women’s swimming. Her training base at the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre continues to support her as she represents the city and country on the global stage.
The record came just days after McIntosh was recognized by the City of Toronto as Athlete of the Year as part of the 2025 Toronto Sport Hall of Honour. That honour now feels especially timely, as she reasserts her position as one of the top swimmers in the world.
McIntosh’s performance at the Canadian Trials sets the tone for the rest of the national competition and highlights her continued dominance in freestyle and individual medley events. With several more races on the horizon, she remains one of the most closely watched athletes in the country.
Stay tuned to GTA Weekly Sports for more stories celebrating the achievements of our local sports talents.
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