Summer McIntosh bounces back to win 400m IM gold at Pan Pacs
Summer McIntosh earned a gold medal Thursday night, her first-ever victory at the Pan Pacific swimming competition, defeating Jenna Forrester of Australia in championship record time in the women’s 400-metre individual medley in Irvine, Calif.
The Toronto athlete, who was on pace early on to lower her world record from last year, finished the butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle in four minutes, 28.01 seconds. Forrester was nearly three seconds behind in 4:31.50 for silver, while Agostina Hein of Argentina took bronze (4:32.54).
American Elizabeth Beisel held the previous Pan Pacs record time of 4:31.99 since 2014.
"I wanted to attack the race coming off yesterday," McIntosh, referring to a silver medal in the 200 free on Wednesday, told USA Swimming. "I was really pumped up. It's good to get the win."
In the 200 free, McIntosh touched the wall in one minute 53.86 seconds, nearly 2-10ths behind Australia's Lani Pallister, who clocked a championship record 1:53.67.
"I don't think I was out fast enough. My turns were still not right and I think I was just over-thinking it, rather than just racing," McIntosh told Devin Heroux of CBC Sports post-race.
Summer McIntosh believes she was 'capable of more tonight'
"You have to forget about it and focus on the next day and take it one race at a time, which is what I always try to do, good or bad," the Canadian added Thursday.
McIntosh believed she was "capable of more" in the medley but happy she touched the wall first.
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After the race, the Canadian national anthem drew a roar and much excitement from a throng of youths in the crowd.
"That group of kids up there [in the stands] is cute to see," McIntosh said. "Even giving them a small wave, they went crazy. It's an honour to give people a show every time [I race] and be part of that. I know all the swimmers here, that's their goal."
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