Summer McIntosh exclusive on ‘whirlwind’ season: "It's hard to sum all of this up into words."
Summer McIntosh turns 18 a week after the Paris 2024 Olympics are over, rounding off a month the Canadian swimmer will never forget.
It was the “Summer of Summer”, fittingly put by Time magazine, with McIntosh kickstarting what could be a glorious Olympic career with three golds and one silver inside La Défense Arena.
Breaking Olympic records along the way, she was Canada’s most decorated athlete at these Games, and for her unbelievable efforts, the 17-year-old was chosen as the nation’s flagbearer for Sunday’s Closing Ceremony.
Speaking exclusively to Olympics.com, McIntosh reflected on her amazing experience and the immense pride she feels representing her country on the world’s greatest stage.
"It's hard to sum all of this up into words," McIntosh told Olympics.com. "I think it's kind of just been a whole whirlwind of a week and a half of very intense racing. And it's also pretty draining mentally and physically.
“But, I mean, the medals are worth it, and making my nation proud is also worth it. So anytime I get to represent Canada and wear the flag with pride, I really don't take that lightly. And it's my job to reach my best ability and best potential for Canada."
McIntosh won the 200m butterfly, 200m individual medley and 400m individual medley on top of a silver in the 400m freestyle in the French capital.
And while still only 17, it has long been her dream to top the podium of an Olympic Games.
"I've always been a kid that's dreamed really, really big. And no, I don't really put specific boxes around myself,” she added.
“So obviously as many times as I could get on the podium, and how many times you're on the top of the podium was a goal of mine. So to now have done that and gone on the podium all four times is pretty incredible.
“I've just learned so much about myself this, this past week and a half on how to manage mentally and physically a long, long swim.”
Summer McIntosh, Olympic Games Paris 2024
Summer McIntosh on being a role model
Reflecting on the influence she now holds as a role model for younger swimmers, McIntosh recognised the impact she could have.
"It honestly makes me really emotional to think that there's kids on TV watching me because I was once in their shoes not that long ago,” she said.
“So to now have that responsibility to inspire the next generation of swimmers and athletes, and just in general all those kids out there, I hope that they find their passion like I did, and that they run with it, and they can work as hard as they can, and they can achieve any goal that they want."
McIntosh’s words resonate far beyond the pool, therefore, and with more still to come she is not only a champion but now a source of inspiration for countless young Canadians – and swimmers around the globe, too.