Summer McIntosh Shatters Her Own World Record with Stunning 4:23.65 in 400 IM

Summer McIntosh made a remarkable splash at the 2025 Canadian Swimming Trials. She clocked an astonishing time of 4:23.65 in the Women’s 400 Individual Medley (IM), smashing her own world and Canadian records.

Just a year ago, during the 2024 Trials, McIntosh set the previous record at 4:24.38. This latest swim marks her third consecutive year breaking the world record in this event. Notably, her technique has improved, especially in the backstroke. She shaved off nearly a second in that leg compared to her earlier record, putting her comfortably ahead at the halfway mark.

Her splits tell an impressive story:

• Butterfly: 59.18 seconds
• Backstroke: 1:06.13 seconds (previously 1:07.12)
• Breaststroke: 1:18.02 seconds (previously 1:17.13)
• Freestyle: 1:00.32 seconds (previously 1:00.95)

McIntosh’s total time of 4:23.65 showcases not just speed but also her evolving strategy in the water. While her breaststroke time slipped a bit, her overall improvement highlights her hard work and determination. Winning the gold at both the 2024 Olympics and 2023 World Championships cemented her status as a dominant force in swimming.

In this latest competition, she left the runner-up, Mary-Sophie Harvey, trailing by nearly 12 seconds. McIntosh has continued her streak of excellence, having set new records in the 200 IM (2:05.70) and 400 free (3:54.18) earlier in the meet. She also registered remarkable Canadian records in the 200 fly (2:02.26) and 800 free (8:05.07).

According to recent statistics from Swimming Canada, interest in competitive swimming has surged, with a 30% increase in participation rates among youth. Many young swimmers look up to athletes like McIntosh, whose exceptional achievements inspire the next generation. She’s not just setting records; she’s shaping the future of the sport.

With each swim, McIntosh reminds us of what dedication can achieve. Her journey is one of perseverance, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in swimming. As she continues to break records, we can only wait to see what she’ll achieve next.