Summer McIntosh delivered one of the biggest moments in modern swimming by setting a new women’s 200-metre butterfly world record at the Canadian Swimming Trials in Montreal. The 19-year-old Canadian touched the wall in 2:01.65, breaking the long-standing mark of 2:01.81 set by China’s Liu Zige in 2009.
The performance came in front of a home crowd at Montreal’s Olympic pool and ended one of the oldest individual women’s world records in the sport. McIntosh’s swim not only secured her victory at the national trials but also marked a significant milestone ahead of Canada’s next major international competitions.
A 17-year-old world record finally falls
Liu Zige established the previous record during the 2009 World Championships, a period often associated with the use of high-tech polyurethane racing suits before they were banned. Because many records from that era proved difficult to surpass, the women’s 200m butterfly became one of the most closely watched events in international swimming.
McIntosh lowered the mark by 0.16 seconds, bringing the event’s fastest time into the modern era. It was a result many swimming experts believed could take years to achieve.
How McIntosh produced the record swim
Expectations were already high after McIntosh clocked 2:01.99 at the 2025 World Championships, coming within fractions of the record. In Montreal, she maintained her pace through the closing stages and finished strongly instead of fading over the final metres.
When the official time appeared on the scoreboard, the crowd erupted in celebration. McIntosh responded with an emotional celebration in the pool before thanking the home fans.
After the race, she said the achievement meant everything to her because it was the one world record she never expected to break while growing up.
Why the result is important
The record strengthens McIntosh’s reputation as one of the world’s most versatile swimmers. Unlike many specialists, she consistently competes at the highest level in butterfly, freestyle and individual medley events.
The timing is equally significant because the Canadian Swimming Trials determine selection for upcoming international competition, including the 2026 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in Irvine, California. Her performance sends a strong message before the global season resumes.
McIntosh’s rapid development has been evident across multiple disciplines, including her impressive recent U.S. Open performance, where she continued to establish herself among the sport’s elite athletes.
Training under Bob Bowman
Another major storyline surrounding McIntosh this season is her move to Austin, Texas, where she now trains with renowned coach Bob Bowman. Bowman is best known for coaching Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian in history with 23 Olympic gold medals.
The coaching change attracted considerable attention across the swimming community. Her latest world record suggests the transition has been successful and highlights the progress she has made in one of the sport’s most demanding events.
Busy schedule continues at the trials
The 200m butterfly is only one part of McIntosh’s program in Montreal. She is also expected to compete in the 400m individual medley, 400m freestyle, and 200m individual medley, giving her additional opportunities to post world-class performances before the international season.
Competing across several disciplines has become one of McIntosh’s defining strengths and continues to distinguish her from most elite swimmers.
A new standard for women’s butterfly
Beyond the record itself, McIntosh’s swim represents a shift in the history of the event. A benchmark that survived for nearly two decades has now been replaced by a time achieved under today’s racing conditions.
At just 19 years old, McIntosh still has several years at the highest level of the sport. Whether the record stands for months or many years, her performance in Montreal will be remembered as the race that ended one of swimming’s longest-standing world marks.
Official event schedules, national team information and competition updates are available through Swimming Canada.
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