Canadian swimming sensation Summer McIntosh, fresh off her triumphant performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, is gearing up for the next phase of her career with new ambitions and changes. The 18-year-old athlete announced she will be leaving her current training base at the Sarasota Sharks, where she has spent the last two and a half years training under coach Brent Arckey.
"Coach Brent has really pushed me to be the best swimmer I can be, and I'll forever cherish my years here," McIntosh told CBC Sports during an interview reflecting on her time at Sarasota. "It’s been a great run," she added, showcasing her fondness for the experiences and growth she achieved there.
McIntosh's decision to leave is amicable, and she aims to pursue new opportunities under the guidance of renowned coach Bob Bowman at the University of Texas. Bowman, recognized for coaching Olympic legend Michael Phelps, presents an appealing next step for McIntosh as she looks to expand her training program.
"Bob coaching the greatest of all time — swimmer Michael Phelps — being able to do all those events is definitely an attraction," she stated, expressing her excitement about the potential partnership. McIntosh plans to visit the University of Texas soon to assess her compatibility with Bowman's professional group.
While McIntosh has expressed interest in joining Bowman's program, she confirmed she will not participate in collegiate events under the NCAA umbrella. Instead, she intends to remain on the professional track, highlighting the increased flexibility it offers as she continues to navigate her swimming career and academic pursuits.
"I’m figuring out a pro team I could join. The NCAA is a great option, but for me personally, I think pro teams make more sense because it has a lot more flexibility and it’s a lot more individual," McIntosh said. This decision reflects her desire for autonomy and personalized development as she prepares for the upcoming World Championships and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Brent Arckey, her current coach, expressed mixed emotions about her departure. "I will be sad to see her go, but at the same time, part of what I do as a developmental coach is encourage these kids to get out of the nest, too," he remarked, supporting her decision to seek new horizons. Arckey emphasized his satisfaction with McIntosh’s progress during their time together, noting her remarkable achievements and the world records she has set.
McIntosh's final season with Arckey will culminate at the World Championships slated for later this year, where she aims to compete in five individual events. Traditionally known for her strength in the 200-meter butterfly and individual medley, she plans to add two additional events to her lineup, potentially including the 800-meter freestyle, as she seeks to broaden her competitive horizons.
"I definitely want to be doing five individual events. What it looks like, I don’t know exactly yet," McIntosh stated, indicating her ambitious goals for both the World Championships and the upcoming Olympics. This endeavor marks her first attempt at competing across five individual events at major meet and showcases her determination to push her limits.
Following her resounding success at the Paris Olympics, where she secured three gold medals and one silver medal, McIntosh remains committed to maintaining her dominant presence in the competitive swimming arena. She established new world junior records and plans to pursue unprecedented achievements as she prepares for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Reflecting on her time under Arckey’s tutelage, McIntosh acknowledged the significance of their partnership, saying, "Just to reflect on the past almost three years I’ve been here, I’ve grown so much as a person and as a swimmer. I will forever cherish my years here. It’s been a great run."
Looking forward, both McIntosh and Arckey recognize the importance of this transition and the potential it holds for her career development. Arckey shared his confidence, stating, "Summer can do whatever she wants in the sport. She’s got the gifts to do it," as he emphasized McIntosh's hard work and dedication.
The world of competitive swimming eagerly anticipates what lies next for Summer McIntosh as she transitions to her new training environment and adds new dimensions to her swimming career. Undoubtedly, her ambition to secure multiple gold medals at the Los Angeles Olympics only adds to the excitement surrounding her future endeavors.