Canadian swimming sensation Summer McIntosh says she has recovered from the illness that kept her out of the pool and is “feeling great” after a harrowing two weeks for the 19-year-old.
McIntosh was forced to withdraw from all three stages of the World Championship Tour due to illness before the first stage in Carmel, Indiana.
In an exclusive interview with CBC Sports, McIntosh said that just two days before the start of the World Cup, she woke up in the middle of the night with a severe headache, leaving her searching for two weeks for answers about what was wrong with her.
“I knew something was wrong and I had a lot of other symptoms. I was in and out of the ER several times and they ran a bunch of tests and they couldn't figure out what it was. They thought it was mono; it wasn't mono. They thought it was the flu or COVID, but it was none of that,” McIntosh said.
“So the third time I went to the ER, they had to test me for what they thought might be viral meningitis. Thank God it wasn't, but in order to do that test, they had to do a lumbar puncture.”
Complications after lumbar puncture
This lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, proved somewhat problematic for McIntosh. She says there were “complications” following the lumbar puncture that forced her to be on bed rest for more than a week.
“It just kind of delayed me getting back in the water because I felt good for the most part, but then it just put me back not feeling the best because of these complications,” she said.
“I've definitely spent some time away from the pool, but I'm so excited to be back in the water now and slowly getting back into things.”
McIntosh, who recently moved to Austin, Texas, to train with legendary trainer Bob Bowman, says she will need time to regain her strength while she recovers from illness and complications from a lumbar puncture.
She was very disappointed not to compete at the World Championships, especially in front of the Canadian crowd at the last stop at the Pan Am Sports Center near Toronto.
“It's really bad timing just because I really wanted to compete at the world championships and I especially wanted to make the last stop in Toronto and swim in front of the fans,” she said.
“Seeing what Josh did was just incredible, and of course all the Canadian women too. I've been talking to them, texting them; I miss everyone. It's just amazing to see Canadian sports on the rise right now. It's so inspiring and I hope we continue this momentum, and I think we definitely will.”
On the opening night of the World Championships in Toronto, Josh Liendo broke the 100m short course butterfly record and won gold. On the second night, he broke the Canadian short course record in the 100m freestyle and also won gold.
Ilya Kharun won gold in the 200m butterfly on Friday night, bringing his three-event medal total to 11, including six golds. Haroon won the Triple Crown in the 200m, securing victories in all three events.
Canada has won ten medals in the first two days of competition at the Pan Am Sports Centre, with one final session remaining.
Although she just fell short of winning five gold medals at the World Aquatics Championships, the Canadian teen star has gained valuable experience moving forward.
Cheering on the Blue Jays
McIntosh closely follows every session of the World Series and watches and cheers on the Blue Jays as the World Series takes place in Toronto.
“I watched every game with my dad. And we were screaming at the TV and screaming. So happy to see that they won the first game last night,” she said.
McIntosh says he feels supported in his new training environment at the University of Texas with Bowman's pro team.
The list of talent in her training group is staggering with names like Leon Marchand, Regan Smith, Hubie Kos and others all in the same pool alongside the Canadian.
“It's just the most surreal experience to have here. I couldn't believe it and I think every practice is almost like a pinch me moment and I hope it's something that I never get used to or never take for granted because it's a once in a lifetime opportunity,” McIntosh said.
“Obviously, all props to Bob. Bob influences every single person on this team to want to get better every single day, and everyone pushes each other as much as they can in the water and in the weight room and stuff like that. I think we all just share a love for the sport and I think all of that keeps us motivated.”
McIntosh says he plans to compete in the U.S. Open in early December in Austin.
The three-time Olympian committed to training in Texas under Bob Bowman, who helped Phelps win 23 Olympic gold medals.
