McIntosh makes golden start at Worlds

Teenage phenomenon Summer McIntosh captured gold in ominous fashion on the opening day of the world swimming championships yesterday as Australia claimed a relay double in Singapore.

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The 18-year-old Canadian launched her packed programme with a dominant performance in the women’s 400m freestyle, romping home in 3min 56.26sec, nearly two seconds clear of China’s Li Bingjie, who was followed by American great Katie Ledecky in bronze.

It was world record holder McIntosh’s first world title in the event as she pursues five individual golds in Singapore.

With Australia's Olympic champion Ariarne Titmus skipping the championships before she prepares for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the race was billed as a showdown between McIntosh and Ledecky.

But McIntosh grasped control early on and streaked further ahead as the race progressed.

“I think the 400 freestyle in past world championships and Olympics, I haven't been at my best and I haven't been where I want to be,” she said.

“So to finally stand on the centre of the podium is promising for the rest of the meet.”