Summer McIntosh, the Canadian swimming sensation, faced a harrowing two weeks due to an illness, forcing her to withdraw from the World Cup tour. But the good news is: she's back in the water and 'feeling great'! This is a story of resilience, setbacks, and the unwavering spirit of a young athlete.
The ordeal began just before the first World Cup event in Carmel, Indiana. McIntosh woke up with a severe headache, and what followed was a two-week search for answers. "I knew something was off," she explained, detailing a series of symptoms that led to multiple ER visits. Initial diagnoses like mono, the flu, and COVID were ruled out.
And this is the part most people miss... After several tests, doctors considered viral meningitis, which required a lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap. Unfortunately, complications arose from the procedure, leading to over a week of bed rest. McIntosh admitted the complications delayed her return to training, but she's now happily back in the pool, gradually regaining her strength.
McIntosh, who recently relocated to Austin, Texas, to train with the legendary coach Bob Bowman, is taking her recovery one step at a time. She expressed her disappointment at missing the World Cup, especially the Toronto stop, where she was eager to compete in front of the home crowd.
It's worth noting: The World Cup in Toronto was a showcase of Canadian swimming talent. Josh Liendo broke records and won gold, while Ilya Kharun secured multiple medals, including gold in the 200m butterfly across all three stops. The Canadian team collectively achieved an impressive medal count.
McIntosh has been keeping a close eye on the World Cup and is also a dedicated fan of the Blue Jays, cheering them on during the World Series. She feels supported in her new training environment at the University of Texas, surrounded by top athletes like Leon Marchand and Regan Smith.
"It’s just the most unreal experience coming here," McIntosh shared, emphasizing the unique opportunity to train with such a talented group and under Coach Bowman's guidance. She plans to compete in the U.S. Open in Austin in early December.
But here's where it gets controversial... Do you think the pressure on young athletes to compete is too high? Or is it part of what drives them to achieve greatness? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
