Summer McIntosh’s challenge mindset
McIntosh’s decision to swim the 800m is significant.
It means the Toronto native will take on a gruelling five-event schedule, in what is effectively a trial run for the LA 2028 Olympic Games.
It also reveals plenty about her mentality.
McIntosh is pursuing the opportunity to get out of her comfort zone and take on Ledecky in arguably her strongest event.
The 28-year-old is a four-time defending Olympic champion, six-time world champion, and the current world record holder in the event.
Challenges don’t come bigger than that.
“One of the many reasons I picked 800, is because in my opinion it is the biggest challenge. Katie is so strong and in her top form this season so that match up will be awesome,” she continued.
“It also works really well with my schedule to be honest. If I were to pick the 200 free or 200 back, there would have been an additional semi-final, so the 800 is longer, but it’s one less session.
“I’ve enjoyed the new aspect of my training of having more distance rather than doing the 200 freestyle, where I wouldn’t be changing much as I’ve always trained for that.
“It’s not something that I’m always going to keep in my schedule, I don’t think. I could potentially, but that fifth event will continue to be a question mark leading into LA.”