Editor’s note: This article is part of our “Origin Stories” series, focusing on the backstories of athletes and topics around the Summer Olympics.
SARASOTA, Fla. — Summer McIntosh even caught Billie Jean King’s attention.
On the evening of the women’s 400-meter freestyle final at the Toyota U.S. Open in Greensboro, N.C., McIntosh, the Canadian swimming prodigy, stepped up to the starting block. Beside her was American swimming legend Katie Ledecky.
It was the first meeting between McIntosh and Ledecky since the 2023 World Aquatics Championships, a clash between two generations of swimmers. Ledecky, 26, is regarded as the greatest women’s swimmer of all time. McIntosh, 17, is a budding swimming sensation. Ledecky remains motivated to add to her accomplished career. The American has seven Olympic and 21 world championship gold medals. McIntosh’s career is only beginning.
The buzzer sounded and the swimmers dove into the pool. Ledecky took the early advantage off the blocks. But at the first turn, McIntosh was out in front. She never lost the lead. By the 300m mark, McIntosh was a full body length in front of Ledecky. As McIntosh powered her way through the final 50 meters, she touched the wall, setting a new championship record in the 400m freestyle. McIntosh and…
