Summer McIntosh Obliterates 4:30 Barrier in 500-Yard Freestyle; Only Katie Ledecky Has Been Quicker

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Summer McIntosh Obliterates 4:30 Barrier in 500-Yard Freestyle; Only Katie Ledecky Has Been Quicker

Before Summer McIntosh entered the water for the 500-yard freestyle at Winter Juniors-East on Thursday night, only two athletes had broken the 4:30 barrier in the event. That club increased to three, thanks to McIntosh posting the eighth-fastest time in history at the Greensboro Aquatic Center. Later in the evening, at the Winter Juniors-West, Bella Sims and Katie Grimes also went under 4:30.

Representing the Sarasota Sharks, McIntosh blazed to a time of 4:27.52. Only Katie Ledecky has been faster, as the American legend owns the seven-fastest performances of all-time, including a 4:24.06 clocking for the fastest mark in history. In addition to Ledecky, McIntosh joined a special group that also includes Leah Smith, whose best time sits at 4:28.90.

There was no doubt the 16-year-old Canadian was primed to produce a spectacular performance. Following a prelims swim of 4:34.15, McIntosh significantly increased her speed off the start, going through the opening 100 yards in 50.94 and hitting the 200-yard mark in an eye-popping 1:44.45. Over the second half of the race, McIntosh raced against the clock, ultimately delivering a time that – as crazy as it might sound – was somewhat expected.

Although unknown in short-course yards, McIntosh has established herself as one of the world’s premier all-around swimmers. More, she is one of the top 400 freestylers in the Olympic-sized pool, and her prowess in that event figured to translate into the smaller pool. Clearly, that scenario unfolded, with McIntosh claiming the title in North Carolina by 12-plus seconds. Sarasota teammate Michaela Mattes was the runnerup, going 4:39.93.

On the opening night of Winter Juniors-East, McIntosh showed she was in tremendous form, as she powered her club to victory in the 800 freestyle relay behind a leadoff split of 1:40.19.

Results

 Event 5  Women 500 Yard Freestyle
=========================================================================
   SC Juniors: M 4:27.52  12/8/2022 Summer McIntosh, Sarasota Sharks-
  Pool Record: P 4:29.54  12/4/2014 Katie Ledecky, NCAP-PV
    Name            Age Team              Prelims     Finals HyPts Points
=========================================================================
                            === A - Final ===                            
 
  1 Summer McIntosh  16 Sarasota Sharks-  4:34.15    4:27.52M 1079   20  
    r:+0.77  24.34        50.94 (26.60)
        1:17.66 (26.72)     1:44.45 (26.79)
        2:11.39 (26.94)     2:38.39 (27.00)
        3:05.70 (27.31)     3:33.12 (27.42)
        4:00.73 (27.61)     4:27.52 (26.79)
  2 Michaela Mattes  17 Sarasota Sharks-  4:45.15    4:39.93   937   17  
    r:+0.80  25.97        53.59 (27.62)
        1:21.56 (27.97)     1:49.71 (28.15)
        2:18.13 (28.42)     2:46.52 (28.39)
        3:14.99 (28.47)     3:43.78 (28.79)
        4:12.03 (28.25)     4:39.93 (27.90)
  3 Lynsey Bowen     15 Carmel Swim Club  4:44.36    4:40.69   929   16  
    r:+0.77  25.11        52.61 (27.50)
        1:20.56 (27.95)     1:48.60 (28.04)
        2:17.14 (28.54)     2:46.15 (29.01)
        3:14.93 (28.78)     3:43.66 (28.73)
        4:12.61 (28.95)     4:40.69 (28.08)
  4 Libby Grether    17 DCST-OH           4:46.72    4:48.16   848   15  
    r:+0.73  26.25        54.83 (28.58)
        1:23.69 (28.86)     1:52.75 (29.06)
        2:22.33 (29.58)     2:51.34 (29.01)
        3:20.48 (29.14)     3:49.72 (29.24)
        4:18.98 (29.26)     4:48.16 (29.18)
  5 Amanda Barnard   16 NOVA of Virginia  4:49.64    4:49.01   839   14  
    r:+0.78  26.87        55.47 (28.60)
        1:24.36 (28.89)     1:53.49 (29.13)
        2:22.77 (29.28)     2:52.17 (29.40)
        3:21.68 (29.51)     3:51.33 (29.65)
        4:20.55 (29.22)     4:49.01 (28.46)
  6 Maddie Waggoner  18 Jersey Wahoos-MA  4:48.76    4:49.25   837   13  
    r:+0.76  26.41        54.85 (28.44)
        1:23.60 (28.75)     1:52.94 (29.34)
        2:22.46 (29.52)     2:52.01 (29.55)
        3:21.43 (29.42)     3:51.01 (29.58)
        4:20.63 (29.62)     4:49.25 (28.62)
  7 Lilla Bognar     16 TG-SC             4:48.52    4:51.08   818   12  
    r:+0.62  26.57        54.95 (28.38)
        1:24.05 (29.10)     1:53.42 (29.37)
        2:22.98 (29.56)     2:52.24 (29.26)
        3:21.84 (29.60)     3:51.77 (29.93)
        4:21.72 (29.95)     4:51.08 (29.36)
  8 Summer Cardwell  18 TBAC-FL           4:49.42    4:52.83   800   11  
    r:+0.73  25.99        54.54 (28.55)
        1:23.45 (28.91)     1:52.78 (29.33)
        2:22.59 (29.81)     2:52.44 (29.85)
        3:22.63 (30.19)     3:52.72 (30.09)
        4:23.36 (30.64)     4:52.83 (29.47)

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