Summer McIntosh wins major award as she becomes the first Canadian to win three gold medals in a single Olympic Games

The Canadian Press awarded Summer McIntosh the title of 2024 Female Athlete of the Year after her record-breaking performance at the Paris Olympics. The 18-year-old secured three gold medals and one silver while setting two Olympic records in an unforgettable campaign.

McIntosh clinched the Olympic gold in the 200m butterfly, 200m individual medley, 400m individual medley, and a silver medal in the 400m freestyle. She also broke her own world record in the 200m butterfly, becoming the first female Canadian swimmer to win two individual Olympic gold medals. Additionally, at the 2024 Canadian Olympic Swimming trials, she shattered the 400m individual medley record.

Her extraordinary accomplishments on the global stage earned widespread recognition from the Canadian Press. On Friday, December 27, CBS Olympics announced the news of McIntosh receiving the honor via an Instagram post, writing:

"Summer McIntosh became the first Canadian to win three gold medals in a single Olympic games, winter or summer, with a silver medal thrown in for good mesaure."

After her stellar performance at the 2024 Summer Games, she reflected on the emotions of securing three gold medals in a single Olympic campaign.

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Summer McIntosh reflects on her 2024 Paris Olympic performance

Summer McIntosh at Swimming - Olympic Games Paris 2024: Day 8 - Source: Getty

Summer McIntosh reflected on her groundbreaking achievements at the 2024 Paris Games just days before her 18th birthday. In an exclusive interview with Olympics.com in August 2024, the swimming champion expressed pride in representing Canada and fulfilling her childhood dream of reaching the Olympic podium.

She candidly opened up about the mental and physical demands of intense competition, saying:

"It's hard to sum all of this up into words. 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."

Summer McIntosh shared her hope of inspiring young swimmers, urging them to follow their passions and strive tirelessly to achieve their goals. In 2023, she had a breakthrough season, breaking multiple national and world junior records in events like the 200m butterfly, 200m freestyle, and 200m individual medley. Her season concluded with a World Championship title, where Mcintosh set a new world junior record in the 200m.