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After a two-week ordeal that sidelined her from competitive swimming, Summer McIntosh has returned to the pool with renewed energy. The 19-year-old Canadian swimmer is feeling revitalized following a mysterious illness that forced her withdrawal from the World Cup tour.
Days before the World Cup began in Carmel, Indiana, McIntosh woke up in the middle of the night with a severe headache. This symptom marked the start of a series of medical evaluations that left her both physically and emotionally drained.
The facts
In an exclusive interview with CBC Sports, McIntosh described her challenging journey through illness. Despite multiple emergency room visits and various tests, medical professionals initially struggled to identify her symptoms. They considered conditions such as mononucleosis, the flu, and COVID-19 but eventually ruled these out.
As her condition worsened, a third ER visit led doctors to suspect viral meningitis. Fortunately, that diagnosis was incorrect, but the tests, including a lumbar puncture, caused complications that delayed her recovery. “I was mostly fine, but the complications held me back,” she said.
The spinal tap resulted in over a week of bed rest, further postponing her return to training.
Returning to training
Now training in Austin, Texas, under renowned coach Bob Bowman, McIntosh is cautiously rebuilding her strength. “I’ve missed being in the water, but I’m grateful to be back,” she stated.
Missing the World Cup, particularly the final event in Toronto, is a disappointment for her. “It’s unfortunate that the timing coincided with such important competitions, especially swimming in front of a home crowd,” she lamented.
During her absence, McIntosh followed the World Cup closely, inspired by the performances of her fellow Canadian swimmers.
She expressed admiration for Josh Liendo, who set records in both the 100-meter short-course butterfly and the 100-meter freestyle events. “Watching them has been inspiring, and I can’t wait to join them in competition once again,” she remarked.
Support and camaraderie in Texas
McIntosh’s new training environment provides her with encouragement. Surrounded by talented swimmers, including Leon Marchand and Regan Smith, she thrives in the competitive atmosphere. “Every training session feels surreal,” she shared. “I hope I never take this opportunity for granted.”
Bowman’s coaching philosophy emphasizes mutual support and daily improvement. McIntosh finds this uplifting. “We all push each other to be better, not just in the pool but in every aspect of our training,” she explained. This collaborative spirit among her teammates significantly contributes to her motivation and recovery.
Looking ahead to future competitions
Despite recent setbacks, McIntosh is optimistic about her upcoming competition schedule. She aims to compete in the U.S. Open in December, eager to demonstrate her hard work and determination. “I’m excited to get back into competitive swimming and see how I measure up after this challenging time,” she asserted.
Meanwhile, McIntosh continues to support her hometown teams, including the Blue Jays in the World Series. “Watching games with my dad has been a joy, especially with their recent win,” she said. Balancing her love for sports and commitment to training, McIntosh is poised for a strong comeback in the swimming world.
