Canadian swimmer Summer McIntosh pulled out of the national swimming trials in Montreal on July 7, 2026 after being diagnosed with a virus. The withdrawal was confirmed by the Canadian swimming team and means she will not race in the event.
The decision was made after medical staff determined that the virus was affecting McIntosh’s health, prompting the team to prioritize her recovery over competition. No additional information about the nature of the illness was released.
McIntosh is regarded as one of Canada’s leading swimmers and has been expected to compete in the trials as a key contender for upcoming international events. Her absence removes a prominent athlete from the field and will be noted by observers of the sport.
The Montreal trials serve as the primary selection mechanism for Canada’s swimming squad heading to future world championships and other major meets. With McIntosh out of the lineup, other athletes will have the opportunity to secure spots that might have been contested by her.
Organizers confirmed that the event will continue as scheduled, with the remaining schedule unchanged. The Canadian swimming team thanked McIntosh for her contributions and wished her a swift recovery.
No further updates on McIntosh’s health or timeline for a return to competition were provided at the time of the announcement.
The trials are a stepping stone toward the world championships and other major international competitions where Canada aims to field a competitive squad. McIntosh’s withdrawal means she will miss the immediate chance to earn a place on that roster, though she may still be considered for future selections if she recovers.