In the months following the Olympics, Mac Neil had begun to struggle with the weight of expectations on her, and following discussions with Swimming Canada's high performance staff, opted not to attempt a defense of her World title at the 2022 World Aquatics Championships. She instead planned to participate in relay events there, and then return to competing the butterfly at the 2022 Commonwealth Games later in the year. Reflecting on the decision, she said "it's hard to stay at the top and that pressure really got to me. I need a chill summer."
