Even with her iconic performances, swim coach says Summer McIntosh is only getting started

Canadian swimming star Summer McIntosh has already had her name etched into the history books for her record-smashing swims and a trio of Olympic gold medals from Paris 2024, but her coach Fred Vergnoux believes she still has more to give. 

"When we talk with Summer, we don't talk about any limits. And that's something that I really enjoy with her. We have a very high level of expectation, we expect a lot more," Vergnoux said in an interview with CBC Sports host Brittany MacLean.

McIntosh broke three world records under the guidance of Vergnoux at the Canadian trials in June, in the 400-metre freestyle, the 200m individual medley, as well as her own 400m IM record. 

Vergnoux, who has successfully coached athletes at the past five summer Olympics, is based in France and is currently training McIntosh ahead of the World Aquatics swimming championships in Singapore, when the first finals begin on Sunday, July 27.

The two have been training together since January 2025. 

In the eyes of Vergnoux, it's McIntosh's consistency that sets her apart from others. 

"I think that's probably what makes the difference between her and the rest is that she never has a day off," he said. "She's just embracing every single session to become better and that's pretty unique. 

He adds that her age — 18 years old— lends itself well to her work ethic. 

"She's young, and she's also very innocent still, even though she's such a successful swimmer, she has that innocence as a late-old teenager," he said. "That's why she's so into what she does on a daily basis."

Vergnoux believes the winning will only continue, and more world records in two other events will fall: the 200m butterfly, an event she won at the Paris Olympics, and the much talked about