2025 Canadian Swimming Trials: Day 3 Finals Highlight Summer McIntosh's Record-Breaking Performance

Victoria, British Columbia – The 2025 Canadian Swimming Trials continued to captivate audiences on June 9, 2025, with Day 3 finals showcasing extraordinary talent and groundbreaking performances. Leading the charge was Summer McIntosh, the reigning Olympic champion, who shattered the world record in the women's 200 Individual Medley (IM) with a stunning time of 2:05.70. This momentous achievement not only eclipsed Katinka Hosszu's previous record of 2:06.12, but it also solidified McIntosh's status as one of the sport's brightest stars.

The 2025 Canadian Swimming Trials, held at the Saanich Commonwealth Place in Victoria from June 7 to June 12, serve as a crucial selection meet for the upcoming World Championships in Singapore. According to an official statement from Swimming Canada, the trials are pivotal for athletes aiming to secure their spots on the national team.

In addition to McIntosh's record-setting swim, the finals featured a thrilling competition in the men's 50 freestyle, where Josh Liendo secured gold with a time of 21.88 seconds, marking the fastest performance in the field. Liendo, who has previously represented Canada at the Olympics, expressed his excitement, stating, "It's short, you know. It’s also a lot of fun to train for."

The women’s 50 freestyle saw Penny Oleksiak, another Olympic champion, grab gold with a personal best of 24.89 seconds, while Alexanne Lepage claimed victory in the women’s 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:06.87. Lepage's achievement was particularly significant, as it met the World Aquatics 'A' cut, ensuring her qualification for the World Championships later this summer.

The following are key highlights from Day 3 finals: 1. **Women’s 200 IM**: Summer McIntosh's world record of 2:05.70, which also surpassed her previous Canadian record of 2:06.56. 2. **Men’s 50 Freestyle**: Josh Liendo's winning time of 21.88 seconds, demonstrating his prowess in short-distance events. 3. **Women’s 50 Freestyle**: Penny Oleksiak's personal best, marking her first sub-25 second swim. 4. **Women’s 100 Breaststroke**: Alexanne Lepage's gold medal performance and subsequent qualification for the World Championships. 5. **Men’s 100 Breaststroke**: Oliver Dawson, a rising star at just 17 years old, won with a personal best of 1:00.73, positioning himself among Canada’s elite swimmers.

The significance of this year's trials extends beyond personal accolades; they represent a crucial opportunity for athletes to showcase their capabilities on a national stage. According to Dr. Emily Parker, a sports psychologist at the University of Toronto, “The pressure and excitement of these trials can propel athletes to deliver exceptional performances, especially when world records are within reach.”

In the para swimming category, competitors also displayed remarkable talent, with Danielle Dorris achieving a strong score of 1014 points in the women's 50 butterfly finals, while Sebastian Massabie set a new national record in the men's 50 fly.

As the trials progress, athletes continue to demonstrate resilience and exceptional skill, setting the stage for a thrilling build-up to the World Championships. With only a few days remaining, anticipation grows for further record-breaking performances and the confirmation of the final roster for the Canadian team.

In conclusion, the 2025 Canadian Swimming Trials have proven to be a platform for athletes to not only qualify for international competition but also to make their mark in the annals of swimming history. With the ongoing support from Swimming Canada and their commitment to fostering talent, the future of Canadian swimming appears incredibly promising.