Summer McIntosh made waves on Day 3 of the Paris 2024 Olympics by winning gold in the women’s 400m individual medley. Her performance was nothing short of spectacular, finishing with a time of 4:27.71, a commanding 5.69 seconds ahead of Katie Grimes from the United States. Emma Weyant of the U.S. rounded out the podium with the bronze.
From the start, McIntosh asserted her dominance. She quickly surged ahead of her competitors in the 100m butterfly leg, one of her strongest strokes, gaining a body length lead. During the backstroke, her advantage had grown to 1.22 seconds over Grimes.
McIntosh extended her lead into the breaststroke, finishing the leg with a three-body cushion. By the time she reached the final freestyle segment, it was clear she would secure the gold. She did so with ease securing her second Paris 2024 medal.
McIntosh’s victory was a testament to her preparation and skill. Just a few months prior, she had set a world record in this event at the Canadian Olympic Trials. She is also a two-time world champion in the 400m IM, having claimed gold at the 2022 and 2023 World Aquatics Championships. This win at Paris 2024 marks her second Olympic medal, following her silver in the 400m freestyle on Day 1. 
McIntosh’s success in Paris 2024 highlights Canada’s growing prominence in swimming. This win is significant for Canadian swimming history, marking the nation’s fourth Olympic medal in the women’s 400m IM. The last medals in this event were won at Montreal 1976, where Cheryl Gibson and Becky Smith took silver and bronze, respectively.
Tough Luck for Harvey & Co.: Other Prospects in Paris 2024
Aside from Summer McIntosh’s gold medal win, other Canadian swimmers made notable contributions in Paris 2024. Ella Jansen, in her first Olympics, finished 11th in the 400m IM heats with a time of 4:42.06, missing the final but feeling proud of her performance.
Mary-Sophie Harvey competed in the women’s 200m freestyle final, finishing fourth with a personal best of 1:55.29. Harvey showed strong determination, particularly in the last 100 meters. In the women’s 100m backstroke, Kylie Masse and Ingrid Wilm both advanced to the Paris 2024 final.
Masse clocked 58.82 in the semifinals, placing fifth, while Wilm finished sixth with 59.10. The final is scheduled for Tuesday, August 1, at 8:56 PM, Local French time, and will feature a competitive field, including Regan Smith and Kaylee McKeown.
McIntosh will next compete in the 200m butterfly and 200m IM, with more relay events possible.
Click HERE for the Medal Tally
