'Greatest Olympic swimming team in Canadian history' heading to Paris Games, says longtime analyst
CBC
As longtime veteran NBC swimming analyst and Olympic champion Rowdy Gaines waxes poetic about the rivalry between the USA and Australia in the pool and the unparalleled depth of talent in the sport, he's quick to include Canadian swimming sensation Summer McIntosh.
Gaines has seen a lot in his more than four decades in the sport – and he likes what he's seeing north of the border as Paris 2024 comes into focus.
"In my opinion, this is the greatest Olympic team in Canadian history heading into Paris," Gaines told CBC Sports.
Gaines says it'll be powerhouse nations USA and Australia fighting for the top of the medal table in Paris but Canada has entered the conversation as a serious contender. He points to McIntosh as being a global superstar.
"You have your Michael Phelps. You have your Summer," he said.
"I think Summer hasn't scratched the surface of what she's capable of doing in Paris. I think her coaches know very well that she wasn't going to have a problem qualifying at trials. They did with Summer what Katie is kind of doing here."
At 17 years old, McIntosh is preparing for her second Olympics. She made her debut three years ago in Tokyo at just 14.
Since then, the teen swimming sensation has become a four-time world champion and is the world record holder in the 400-metre individual medley.
WATCH | McIntosh sets world record in 400m IM at Canadian trials:
Gaines says this iteration of Canadian swimmers mirrors the 1984 Canadian Olympic team that was also loaded with talent. At those boycotted Games in LA, Canada won 10 medals including four golds, three silvers and three bronze.
"I think it fits right into 40 years ago. Victor Davis. Alex Baumann. And so many other great Canadian swimmers. In 1984 Alex Baumann was unbelievable," Gaines said.
"It's not the same though. In this age and what Summer's been able to do is nothing short of spectacular."
This has been called the golden generation for Canadian swimming. Canada has captured six medals at the last two Olympics and all signs are pointing to a larger medal haul in Paris.
"Summer is a superstar. You've got Josh Liendo who can also be a superstar and you have these other supporting pieces that can put Canada on a huge pedestal when it comes to relays and other races," Gaines said.
