In 2022, Summer McIntosh made waves on the global stage by becoming the youngest world swimming champion in over a decade. She was only 15 years old. A year later, she redefined the limits of performance, setting two world records in the 400m freestyle and 400m individual medley. A nominee for the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year award and a key figure at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Summer represents a generation of athletes for whom excellence is not a goal, but a way of life.
As a TAG Heuer ambassador, she reflects the brand’s deep connection to innovation, precision, and the drive for constant improvement – values rooted in its motorsport heritage. She says winning isn’t just about coming first; it’s about showing up with the right mindset, every single day.
Summer is featured in TAG Heuer’s Designed to Win campaign, embodying the spirit of high-performance in her sport and beyond. Her story aligns perfectly with the world of sports luxe, where discipline meets design, and where ambition is matched by timeless style.
From the pool to the podium, her journey is a testament to what’s possible when talent meets relentless focus.
YLA: You’ve shattered world records and dominated global competitions at such a young age. How do you mentally prepare for high-stakes moments, especially under the intense spotlight of the Olympics?
Summer: It has taken a lot of practice and experience to properly prepare mentally for the high-stakes races. I have always relied heavily on my training to give me confidence, knowing that I have worked as hard as possible inside and outside of the pool to the best of my ability. When I step onto the starting blocks, I am ready to be fearless and race with passion, knowing I will never regret putting myself out there and giving it my all.
YLA: Swimming is as much a mental game as it is physical. How did you develop your winning mindset, and what keeps you motivated to push beyond your limits?
Summer: A huge component of being an elite swimmer is the ability to mentally push through pain during a race. During thousands of hours of practice, I strive to master the skill of being comfortable with being uncomfortable. I love to challenge my mind and body and push the limits of what is possible both mentally and physically in my sport.
YLA: TAG Heuer’s ‘Designed to Win’ ethos perfectly aligns with the resilience required in elite swimming. How do you embody that philosophy in your training and competition?
Summer: My coach, who took me to my first national championship at 12 years old, told me my biggest assets were consistency and resilience, and to “keep doing what I am doing”. I have never forgotten these words of wisdom and believe these qualities complement one another and are essential to embrace to become a champion. Every time I step onto the starting blocks, my goal is to touch the wall first, as this is what I have been trained to achieve.
YLA: After making history at the 2024 Olympics, what lessons have you taken from that experience, and how are you channelling them into your future goals?
Summer: The Olympics showed me what a privilege and pure excitement it is to represent your country and how wild the adrenaline hits you when seeing flags waving in the crowd or watching reels of people at restaurants across the country and around the world gathered around cheering. It made me realise the power of the support of an entire country behind you, can propel you to the top of the podium, so we can all sing the national anthem and watch the Canadian flag raised. All of this makes me want to do it even more in the future.
YLA: Based on your visit to the TAG Heuer booth in Geneva during Watches & Wonders, was there a particular timepiece that stood out to you or resonated with you personally?
Summer: It was an honour and incredible experience to be part of the Watches and Wonders event! It was a spectacular couple of days, meeting so many legends of sport and inspiring people. I wore my stunning pink Aquaracer the entire time as I love everything about this timepiece’s style, colour and presence, and of course, the name suits me well too!
Summer’s journey from pool to podium is a testament to what’s possible when talent meets relentless focus. Find out more about her competition schedule here.
