SwimSwam Pulse is a recurring feature tracking and analyzing the results of our periodic A3 Performance Polls. You can cast your vote in our newest poll on the SwimSwam homepage, about halfway down the page on the right side.
Our most recent poll asked SwimSwam readers who the most versatile female swimmer in the world:
Question: Is Kate Douglass the most versatile female swimmer in the world?
RESULTS
- Yes – 53.0%
- No (McIntosh) – 43.8%
- No (McKeown) – 1.8%
- No (Other) – 1.4%
Let’s start by clarifying that there’s no wrong answer. It’s just a classic sports-talk question that’s made for fans to debate.
The question of whether or not Kate Douglass was the most versatile female swimmer in the world came to the forefront two weeks ago when she stunned everyone (including herself) by breaking the world record in the 50 freestyle.
As the reigning Olympic and world champion in the 200 breaststroke, Douglass becoming the fastest swimmer in history in the 50 free made for perhaps the rarest two-event combo possible in the sport. It’s hard to find a world-class 200 breaststroker who’s competitive in another single-stroke event, or even IM, making Douglass’ climb to the top of the mountain in the 50 free all the more remarkable.
Of course, Douglass’ reign as the 50 free world record holder only lasted just over a week, as her Virginia training partner Gretchen Walsh took down her newly-minted mark of 23.59 nine days later at the Sette Colli Trophy in 23.55.
Regardless, it doesn’t diminish Douglass’ accomplishment, and the rarity of her abilities fuelled the debate about whether or not she’s the world’s most versatile female swimmer.
Her only real rival in the conversation is Summer McIntosh, who has a more wide-ranging skill set as the world record holder in the 400 free, 200 IM and 400 IM, being the second-fastest swimmer ever in the 800 free and 200 fly, and also ranking #5 all-time in the 200 free.
Douglass, on the other hand, is a two-time LC world champion in the 200 IM, won silver in the 100 breast at the 2025 World Championships, and ranks 8th all-time in the 50 fly, 15th in the 100 free and 21st in the 100 fly.
In the poll, although it was close, Douglass came out on top with 53% of voters picking her as the most versatile female swimmer in the world, with McIntosh trailing at 43.8%.
Of course, the question was framed around Douglass, and perhaps if it was asked differently, the results could’ve been a bit closer. When we’re looking at versatility, McIntosh has the argument that she’s the best swimmer in the world (by a lot) in the 400 IM, which some would consider makes her the most versatile swimmer, no questions asked.
At the end of the day, they’re just different swimmers. Douglass excels across the 50, 100 and 200-meter distances, while McIntosh ranges from 200 up to 800. Putting Douglass over the top in the poll was presumably the rarity of her abilities in the 50 free and 200 breast.
Australian Kaylee McKeown picked up a handful of votes (1.8%) in the poll, and given that she’s the best backstroker in the world and also ranks #3 all-time in the 400 IM and #4 in the 200 IM, it felt necessary to include her.
Below, vote in our new A3 Performance Poll, which asks: Which of the three world record swims we’ve seen in the last two weeks caught you off guard the most?
Loading …
ABOUT A3 PERFORMANCE
A3 Performance is an independently-owned, performance swimwear company built on a passion for swimming, athletes, and athletic performance. We encourage swimmers to swim better and faster at all ages and levels, from beginners to Olympians. Driven by a genuine leader and devoted staff that are passionate about swimming and service, A3 Performance strives to inspire and enrich the sport of swimming with innovative and impactful products that motivate swimmers to be their very best – an A3 Performer.
The A3 Performance Poll is courtesy of A3 Performance, a SwimSwam partner.
