Summer McIntosh was less than a second away from rewriting the record book for a second time in as many days.
The Toronto-born swim star gave Katie Ledecky a huge scare before settling for the third-fastest time in history in the 800-metre women’s freestyle on Sunday night at the Canadian swimming trials in Victoria.
McIntosh, 18, crushed the field in eight minutes, 5.07 seconds. Ledecky’s world record of 8:04.12 was set last month.
The American legend also has the second-fastest time in event history.
“I think for me I’m always shooting to break record and push the boundaries of the sport. But overall, have to be happy with the best time,” McIntosh told reporters.
McIntosh set a world record on the opening day of trials in the 400-metre freestyle.
The Canadian didn’t even race the 800 free at her dominant 2024 Olympics when she won three gold medals and one silver.
“The 800, I’m still learning how to swim it,” McIntosh said.
McIntosh has set a goal of winning five individual medals at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The Canadian swimming trials serve as the qualifier for the country’s team for the world championships, July 26-Aug. 3 in Singapore.
Expect a Ledecky-McIntosh showdown in the 800 at worlds.
“I’m always trying to be faster and faster,” McIntosh said. “I think that just gives me more fuel to the fire heading into Singapore,”
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