Summer McIntosh sets the tone early at Canadian swimming trials

Canada's Summer McIntosh was an unheralded swimmer who stole the show at her first Olympic Trials appearance three years ago.

She returned to the event Monday as a favourite and set the tone for the weeklong competition with a dominating performance in the women's 400-metre freestyle.

McIntosh was on world-record pace for most of the race before finishing just off the mark in three minutes 59.06 seconds to lock up a spot at the Paris Games.

"It's definitely great to qualify on the first night and get the deal sealed," she said.

WATCH | McIntosh secures sport at Paris Games with sterling 400m free race:

Another heavy favourite, Maggie Mac Neil of London, Ont., also earned a victory at the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre. The reigning Olympic champion in the 100m butterfly took top spot in the discipline in 56.61.

"It's challenging but also fun being on the first day," Mac Neil said. "Obviously you're fresher but you don't know how the meet is going to go and how you're feeling. So it can go both ways.

"But I'm pretty happy with today overall."

Mac Neil was second at the halfway mark but found another gear over the final 50 metres to beat Montreal's Mary-Sophie Harvey, who also came in under the Olympic qualifying time at 57.31.

Rebecca Smith of Red Deer, Alta., also beat the standard at 57.89 seconds. The top two finishers in each discipline who beat the Olympic standard are technically "qualified to be nominated," per Swimming Canada wording.

Swimmers outside the top two who come in under the required time could still be nominated for selection. Federation brass must consider relay options for the Games as well.

WATCH | Harvey earns berth to Paris in 100m butterfly:

A team announcement on the Paris roster is set for Sunday night. The Canadian Olympic Committee will formally name the competitors ahead of the July 26-Aug. 11 Games.

McIntosh was just 14 when she had her breakout performance here in 2021. She pulled off wins in the 200- and 800-metre freestyle before barely missing the podium in Tokyo.