Canada’s Summer McIntosh, Maggie Mac Neil win gold at swimming World Cup

With eight more medals on the night, Canada boosted its overall total to 17 entering the final day of FINA Swimming World Cup on Sunday.

Canada’s Summer McIntosh and American Katie Ledecky weren’t sure what to expect in their first competitive event of the season at this week’s FINA Swimming World Cup.

The off-season rest apparently served them well. Both are already in record-breaking form.

McIntosh set a world junior mark in the women’s 400-metre medley while Ledecky set a world record in the 1,500 freestyle on Saturday night at the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre.

“I knew that record was within reach just based on some things I’ve done in training, especially my distance stuff (as it) has felt really good this fall,” Ledecky said. “So I felt locked into the pace.”

The 10-time Olympic medallist – who doesn’t compete in short-course events very often _ won gold in 15:08.24, taking nearly 10 seconds off the previous record set by Germany’s Sarah Wellbrock (15:18.01) in 2019.

McIntosh, who also set a world junior mark when she edged Ledecky in the 400 free on Friday, finished first in the 400 medley in 4:21.49 to lead a Canadian sweep.

“Throughout the entire race I felt really in control and strong so I’m really happy,” she said.

Sydney Pickrem of Halifax was second in 4:28.45 and Bailey Andison of Smiths Falls, Ont., was third in 4:29.36.