Canadian swimming prodigy Summer McIntosh has announced her successful recovery from an illness that temporarily sidelined her from the pool, expressing her relief and enthusiasm after a challenging two-week ordeal. McIntosh was compelled to withdraw from all three legs of the World Cup tour due to falling ill just before the inaugural event in Carmel, Indiana.
In an exclusive conversation with CBC Sports, McIntosh recounted how she was abruptly struck by a severe headache two days before the start of the World Cup, sparking a two-week quest for a diagnosis. Despite numerous visits to the emergency room and various tests, including checks for mono, flu, and COVID, the exact cause remained elusive. A test for viral meningitis was eventually conducted, necessitating a lumbar puncture, or spinal tap.
Following the lumbar puncture, McIntosh encountered complications that led to over a week of bed rest, further delaying her return to the pool. She expressed gratitude for being able to resume swimming activities gradually, acknowledging the setback caused by the unforeseen complications.
Having recently relocated to Austin, Texas to train under the renowned coach Bob Bowman, McIntosh emphasized the importance of a cautious recovery process to regain her strength. Despite her disappointment at missing the World Cup and the opportunity to compete in front of a home crowd in Toronto, McIntosh remains inspired by the success of her fellow Canadian athletes and is eager to continue her own athletic journey.
While closely following the World Cup events, McIntosh has also been avidly supporting the Toronto Blue Jays during the World Series. She highlighted the supportive environment at the University of Texas, where she trains with a group of talented athletes including Leon Marchand, Regan Smith, and Hubi Kos, expressing gratitude for the invaluable experience and motivation provided by coach Bob Bowman.
Looking ahead, McIntosh is setting her sights on participating in the upcoming U.S. Open in December as part of her continued training and recovery journey.
