McIntosh records world's fastest 200m free time of 2024 at Canadian Swimming Open

Summer McIntosh continued her winning ways in the pool on Wednesday night to begin the inaugural Speedo Canadian Swimming Open at the Pan Am Sports Centre.

McIntosh powered her way to a first place finish in the 200-metre freestyle in a time of 1:54.21.

It is the fastest time in the world this year and would have won gold at this past February's world championship in Doha.

"It's always good when I can set good times and execute my race properly. Overall I was very happy with that. I felt quite strong and in control throughout the race," McIntosh said.

"Going into tonight I was really focused on executing my splits as well as possible and focusing on details. I don't have crazy expectations for this meet but anytime I get to come back to Toronto to compete I'm happy."

WATCH | McIntosh posts world's best 200m freestyle time this year:

McIntosh's parents, Greg and Jill, were in the stands cheering on their daughter throughout the evening.

"It's an amazing pool and the crowd is always awesome," McIntosh said. "It's always great to come back to Toronto."

Mary-Sophie Harvey placed second in a personal best time of 1:56.76.

McIntosh holds the Canadian record in the event with a time of 1:53.65, posted at the 2023 world championships in Fukuoka, Japan.

Wednesday night's result is further proof for McIntosh that her training continues to pay off. It wasn't long after the 200m free McIntosh returned to the pool to compete in the 100m backstroke final.

She was up against backstroke specialist Ingrid Wilm and 100m butterfly Olympic champion Maggie Mac Neil.

"It just shows the backstroke depth we have in Canada and it was something fun to get my meet started," Mac Neil said.

"I haven't raced that much as I normally do so just seeing where I am heading into trials. It's really just a dress rehearsal.