McIntosh wins 2024 Northern Star Award as Canada’s athlete of the year after historic Paris Olympics
Summer McIntosh, the talented swimmer from Toronto, has been awarded the prestigious Northern Star Award as Canada’s athlete of the year following her outstanding performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 18-year-old made history by clinching three gold medals at the Olympics, making her the first Canadian athlete to achieve such a feat in either the summer or winter games.
McIntosh’s exceptional display saw her set new Olympic records in both the 200-metre medley and 200 butterfly events, in addition to claiming gold in the 400 medley. She also secured a silver medal in the 400 freestyle, further solidifying her status as a rising star in the world of swimming.
The Northern Star Award, presented annually by the Toronto Star, is determined by votes from sports journalists across Canada. McIntosh was named the winner shortly after her remarkable performance at the short-course world championships in Budapest, where she smashed the world record in the 400-metre freestyle event.
This marks the ninth time that a swimmer has been honored with the prestigious award, with Penny Oleksiak being the last swimmer to receive the accolade in 2016. Other notable finalists for the award included basketball star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, NHL sensation Connor McDavid, hammer throw gold medalist Ethan Katzberg, and Professional Women’s Hockey League top scorer Natalie Spooner.
The recognition of Summer McIntosh as Canada’s athlete of the year highlights her incredible talent, dedication, and achievements in the world of swimming. Her groundbreaking performances at the Paris Olympics and beyond have solidified her position as a standout athlete on the global stage.
