An undisclosed health issue has led Canadian swimming sensation Summer McIntosh to pull out from all three World Aquatics Swimming World Cup competitions, including the final event in Toronto. The 19-year-old was absent from the first event in Indianapolis and has informed CBC Sports that she will not be participating in the upcoming meets in Westmont, Ill., near Chicago from October 17-19, and in Toronto at the Pan Am Sports Centre from October 23-25.
McIntosh expressed her disappointment at missing the chance to compete in front of her local supporters but emphasized her inability to train due to the illness. She is currently prioritizing rest and recovery to make a comeback to the pool.
This was set to be McIntosh’s debut on the international stage under the mentorship of coach Bob Bowman, renowned for coaching American swimming legend Michael Phelps to 23 Olympic gold medals. McIntosh relocated to Austin, Texas, to train with Bowman at the end of August.
The World Cup series, comprising top Olympic and world champion swimmers, offers a total prize pool of $1.2 million, with a $10,000 bonus for breaking world records.
Apart from McIntosh, several Canadian swimmers like Josh Liendo, Kylie Masse, Mary-Sophie Harvey, and Ilya Kharun have registered for at least one leg of the World Cup tour. Kharun has already clinched consecutive gold medals, triumphing in the 200m butterfly on Saturday and securing another victory in the 50m butterfly on Sunday.
Notable international swimmers in the competition include Leon Marchand, Noe Ponti, Mollie O’Callaghan, Regan Smith, Thomas Ceccon, and Kaylee McKeown.
