2025 World Swimming Championships: Summer season McIntosh closes in on Michael Phelps document with third gold

McIntosh nonetheless gained the 200m butterfly in a championshp-record time having already secured gold within the 400 freestyle and 200 IM this week.

Regan Smith (2:04.99) claimed the 200m butterfly silver with Elizabeth Dekkers (2:06.12) taking residence the bronze. The 12-year-old Yu Zidi (People’s Republic of China) positioned fourth in time of two:06.43.

Come the victory ceremony, McIntosh cracked a smile, though it may very well be argued it was a wry look as she nonetheless thought of that point.

Nevertheless, with two golds nonetheless to chase and a showdown with Katie Ledecky within the 800 freestyle starting within the heats on Friday, McIntosh might be channelling this frustration.

McIntosh is the world-record holder within the 400 IM, posting 4:23.65 in June, and not too long ago swam a PB of 8:05.07 within the 800 free to show she is closing the hole on Ledecky in that occasion.

And when requested if this near-miss will encourage her to go for an additional world document this week, McIntosh replied: “Oh yeah for certain.

“Seeing how shut I used to be provides me loads of confidence, the way in which I felt in that ultimate was superb as nicely, so I’m tremendous, tremendous excited for the 800 after which then 400 IM.

“My focus now is on getting a good recovery tonight and getting ready for the 800 heats tomorrow.”