3-time Olympic gold medalist Summer McIntosh receives the honor of throwing the first pitch for hometown team, Toronto Blue Jays

By Janhavi Shinde

Modified Aug 24, 2024 07:18 GMT

Summer McIntosh recently received the honor of throwing the first pitch for the hometown team, Toronto Blue Jays. She received the distinguished opportunity for displaying a remarkable performance at the Paris Olympics 2024.

McIntosh claimed three gold medals and one silver medal at the Paris Games for Canada. The 18-year-old clinched a gold medal in the 200m butterfly event by clocking a stunning time of 2:03.03 to register an Olympic and world junior record.

She surpassed Regan Smith and Zhang Yufei, who clocked 2:03.84 and 2:05.09, respectively.

Further, the Toronto-born swimmer bagged a gold medal in the 200m medley by posting 2:06.56 to set another Olympic and world junior record. She defeated Kate Douglass and Kaylee McKeown, who listed 2:06.92 and 2:08.08, respectively.

She collected her third gold medal in the 400m medley, surpassing Katie Grimes and Emma Weyant's 4:33.40 and 4:34.93 with a substantial lead of 4:27.71.

Following her glorious feat, McIntosh was honored to throw the ceremonial first pitch for the Toronto Blue Jays on August 24, 2024, at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. Proudly wearing her Olympic medals, she threw the pitch to the Blue Jays' first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

The Toronto Blue Jays locked horns with the Los Angeles Angels, claiming the victory 5-4 on Friday night.

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"It's my job to reach my best ability" - Summer McIntosh takes pride in achieving victories at Paris Olympics

Summer Mcintosh from Canada reacts with her gold medal at the Olympic Games 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo via Getty Images)

Summer McIntosh expressed her pride in achieving the prestigious victories for her nation at the Paris Olympics 2024.

In an interview with Olympics.com, she emphasized her commitment to earning the highest potential for her nation.

Further reflecting on her Paris Olympics journey, she stated it was a period filled with intense racing, causing physical and mental exhaustion.

"It's hard to sum all of this up into words," McIntosh told Olympics.com. "I think it's kind of just been a whole whirlwind of a week and a half of very intense racing. And it's also pretty draining mentally and physically.

“But, I mean, the medals are worth it, and making my nation proud is also worth it. So anytime I get to represent Canada and wear the flag with pride, I really don't take that lightly. And it's my job to reach my best ability and best potential for Canada."

Apart from her three gold medals, Summer McIntosh also bagged a silver medal in the women's 400m freestyle event by leaving behind the legendary swimmer Katie Ledecky.