“Summer McIntosh Crowned CP Female Athlete of the Year in a Resounding Victory!”

No elaboration needed was the general agreement among voters for The Canadian Press recognition of 2024 female athlete of the year.

During the month preceding her 18th birthday, Summer McIntosh made history as the first Canadian to secure three gold medals at a single Olympic Games, whether winter or summer, with an additional silver medal for good measure.

McIntosh was the clear favorite among sports editors, producers, and journalists throughout Canada due to the Toronto swimmer’s outstanding performance in Paris. She was chosen on 52 out of the 53 votes cast, with the solitary dissenting vote going to skeleton world champion Hallie Clarke from Brighton, Ontario.

“Three golds at the Olympics. No further justification required,” wrote TSN managing producer Jamie Bell.

The Canadian Press started honoring male and female athletes of the year back in 1932. McIntosh is a repeat honoree after also being recognized in 2023.

“It’s always a privilege, but to achieve it for a second consecutive year is truly remarkable to be acknowledged in this way,” McIntosh stated.

Former winners encompass hockey players Marie-Philip Poulin (2022) and Hayley Wickenheiser (2007), tennis players Leylah Fernandez (2021) and Bianca Andreescu (2019), soccer sensation Christine Sinclair (2020, 2012), golfer Brooke Henderson (2015, 2017, 2018), and swimmer Penny Oleksiak (2016).

WATCH | McIntosh discovers she has won the Northern Star Award through phone call in Budapest:

McIntosh entered Paris with an ambitious agenda. Incorporating heats, semifinals, and relays, the Canadian athlete raced 13 times over the span of nine days at La Defense Arena.

Ascending the podium four times — three times to hear O Canada — was a remarkable accomplishment in terms of mental and physical planning and management.

“As I approached the Olympics, with all the training I engaged in daily, and both mentally and physically preparing for a nine-day swim competition, I could not have been better prepared, and my outcomes reflected that,” McIntosh mentioned.

“I was truly pleased with how I performed, but honestly, I was simply prouder of myself for pushing my limits to reach my full potential and for preparing as thoroughly as possible, because I do that to instill the utmost confidence as I head into such a significant competition.”

The world record holder was anticipated to triumph in her primary event. McIntosh not only met expectations; she excelled, winning by nearly six seconds, which World Aquatics noted was the largest margin seen in 40 years.

“I was well aware that winning gold was a real possibility, so when I finally accomplished it, all my hard work and training paid off,” McIntosh expressed. “That was an amazing moment because I was confident I could do it, but executing it is an entirely different experience.”

McIntosh then secured gold in the 200-metre butterfly — previously swum by her mother Jill Horstead in 1984 — as well as in the 200-metre I.M. in Olympic-record time.

McIntosh and Olympic champion hammer thrower Ethan Katzberg were selected to carry Canada’s flag during the closing ceremonies at Stade de France.

“Summer McIntosh shouldered the weight of her nation when she competed in Paris. Yet, she managed to suppress most of the pressure and delivered one of the most extraordinary Olympic performances in Canadian history. That’s what makes her a champion,” wrote Globe and Mail sports production editor Phil King.

WATCH | McIntosh revisits her childhood pool in Etobicoke:

McIntosh has set high expectations for herself as she moves toward Los Angeles in 2028. She is preparing to overcome them.

“I am still quite young. I wish to remain in the sport for as long as I can as long as I find enjoyment in it,” McIntosh stated.

“Every day, I feel like I fall more in love with it. It’s such an exciting sport. Whenever I get the chance to race, I’m reminded of why I am so passionate about it and the reason behind all those early mornings and intense training, hours upon hours each day just for those two minutes of racing, which is a unique perspective to have. My only goal is to reach my full potential, whatever that may signify.”

She trains with Florida’s Sarasota Sharks under the guidance of coach Brent Arckey. McIntosh mentions that she will complete the final two classes required to graduate from high school in 2025.

Her Olympic medals are kept in a wooden box. Each one is individually wrapped in paper towels and placed in separate plastic sandwich bags to avoid scratches and dents. McIntosh allowed others to enjoy her medals during her three-week stay in Canada following Paris.

“I try to share my medals with as many individuals as possible who are interested in seeing them, simply because they are fascinating to behold in person,” she conveyed.

“Just knowing that I am inspiring others is incredibly rewarding, and it also adds a sense of responsibility that I want to continue succeeding, which motivates me to advance in the sport as we approach 2028.”