Teen prodigy bails on Olympics clash with Titmus

Teenage sensation Summer McIntosh has withdrawn from the women’s 800m freestyle event at Paris 2024, ending the hopes of a blockbuster battle against Ariarne Titmus and Katie Ledecky.

The 17-year-old defeated Ledecky in the event at a Florida meet earlier this year, becoming the first woman to achieve the feat in 13 years against the American star.

It had raised hopes that McIntosh would compete in the same event in Paris later this year, but she has decided to opt out of the Canadian Olympic trials in Toronto next week.

Already a four-time world champion, McIntosh will still be active at the trials, entering the 100m, 200m and 400m freestyle, as well as a range of other events.

Her absence from the 800m event at the Olympics will see the chances of Australian star Titmus rise, while Ledecky will remain the favourite for the hotly-contested race.

Ledecky is the most decorated female swimmer in Games history, holding the 800m freestyle world record and is in line to emulate Michael Phelps by becoming one of the only swimmers to win an Olympic title four times in succession.

McIntosh is expected to meet Ledecky and Titmus in the 400m event in Paris.

“I see them both as big dangers,” the Aussie said when asked about her rivals.