Summer McIntosh, the current world record-holder in the women’s 400-meter freestyle event, did not qualify for the A final at the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in Irvine, California. During the morning heat, McIntosh was in a position to secure the second spot but came in third with a time of 4 minutes 8.56 seconds, which was 14 seconds slower than her record time. Fan Yaqi from China, aged 15, clinched the eighth spot for the final with a time of 4:08.36 at 10:07 p.m. ET.
McIntosh, a 19-year-old swimming sensation from Toronto, expressed her disappointment on Instagram, taking full responsibility for her performance in the morning heats. She confirmed her participation in the B final at 10:01 p.m. alongside her teammate Ella Cosgrove, who finished 13th overall.
The live stream of the event can be accessed on CBCSports.ca and CBC Gem. McIntosh, who previously set a new record of 3:54.18 at the Canadian swimming trials in Victoria last June, was aiming to compete against American record-holder Katie Ledecky and Lani Pallister in the A final.
McIntosh’s Pan Pacs journey began with a silver in the women’s 200-meter freestyle event, where she finished behind Pallister. She continued her success with a record-breaking performance in the 400-meter individual medley, securing another medal in the women’s 200 free relay.
Looking ahead, McIntosh is set to compete in the 200 IM event on Saturday. Despite missing out on the A final in the 400-meter freestyle, McIntosh remains determined and appreciative of the ongoing support from her fans and supporters.