Regan Smith : A Premier Women’s Backstroke Swimmer – entered the Paris Olympics as the reigning 100m backstroke world champion and the current world record holder. The race was highly anticipated, with Smith facing stiff competition from Australia’s Kaylee McKeown, the reigning Olympic champion.
In a thrilling final, Smith narrowly missed out on gold, securing the silver medal with a time of 57.66 seconds. McKeown won the gold medal with an Olympic record time of 57.33 seconds. while her compatriot Katharine Berkoff took the bronze with a time of 57.98 seconds. . The race showcased the incredible talent and fierce rivalry between Smith and McKeown, leaving fans eagerly anticipating their future battles in the pool.
Despite the close competition, Smith’s world record time of 57.13 remained intact. This race exemplified the intense competition between the top swimmers, with the current and former world record holders both vying for the top spot.
Smith’s Olympic debut came at the Tokyo 2020 Games, where she continued to impress. She won a silver medal in the 200m butterfly and a bronze medal in the 100m backstroke. Her performance at the Olympics highlighted her versatility and skill across multiple swimming disciplines.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Sport | Swimming |
| Strokes | Backstroke, butterfly, freestyle |
| Olympic Experience | 2-time Olympian; 4-time Olympic medalist (3 silver, 1 bronze) |
| Olympic Games Paris 2024 | Silver (100m Backstroke – Women) |
| Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 | Silver (200m Butterfly – Women, 4 x 100m Medley Relay – Women), bronze (100m Backstroke – Women), 5th (4 x 100m Medley Relay – Mixed) |
| World Championships Experience | Participated in 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023 |
| World Championships Medals | 9 (5 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze) |
| World Championships Gold | 2023 (4 x 100m Medley Relay – Women), 2022 (100m Backstroke – Women, 4 x 100m Medley Relay – Women), 2019 (200m Backstroke – Women, 4 x 100m Medley Relay – Women) |
| World Championships Silver | 2023 (100m Backstroke – Women, 200m Backstroke – Women, 50m Backstroke – Women) |
| World Championships Bronze | 2023 (200m Butterfly – Women) |
Early Career and Breakthrough
Regan Smith, born on February 9, 2002, in Lakeville, Minnesota, is recognized as one of the world’s premier women’s backstroke swimmers. She first made headlines as a 17-year-old at the 2019 World Championships in Gwangju, South Korea. At this event, Smith set a new world record of 2:03:35 in the 200m backstroke, winning the gold medal and establishing herself as a formidable force in the swimming world.
In addition to her triumph in the 200m backstroke, Smith showcased her exceptional talent in the 4x100m relay. Although she did not qualify for an individual spot in the 100m backstroke, she broke the world record in that event with a split of 57.57 during the relay. Team USA went on to win the relay in world record time, further cementing Smith’s reputation as a rising star.
Personal Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Regan Smith |
| Age | 22 |
| Date of Birth | February 9, 2002 |
| Hometown | Lakeville, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) |
| Weight | 123 lb (56 kg) |
| Education | Stanford University (Stanford, Calif.) |
| National Team | United States |
| Club | Longhorn Aquatics |
| College Team | Stanford (2021–2022) |
| Family | Daughter of Paul Smith |
| Handedness | Left-handed |
| Favorite Show | Stranger Things |
| Favorite Beach Spot | Gulf Shores, Alabama |
| Hobbies | Water sports on the lake, bowling, online shopping, getting her nails done |
Rivalry with Kaylee McKeown
A significant chapter in Smith’s career has been her rivalry with Australian swimmer Kaylee McKeown. McKeown broke Smith’s 100m backstroke world record in 2021, but Smith reclaimed her position at the top by winning the 100m backstroke at the 2022 World Championships. This back-and-forth battle between Smith and McKeown has been a focal point of the USA-Australia swimming rivalry.
Achievements and Records
Smith’s achievements extend beyond her Olympic performances. She has a total of nine medals from the World Championships, including five golds, showcasing her dominance in the sport. Her success at the World Junior Swimming Championships and the Swimming World Cup further underscores her versatility and consistent performance at the highest levels of competition.
Future Prospects
As a two-time Olympian, Smith continues to be a prominent figure in women’s backstroke swimming. Her rivalry with McKeown and her pursuit of further gold medals keep her in the spotlight. With her impressive track record and determination, Smith is poised for continued success in future competitions.
Summary
Regan Smith’s journey from a young record-breaker to an established swimming champion is a testament to her talent and dedication. Her rivalry with Kaylee McKeown and her consistent performance at major competitions make her one of the most exciting athletes to watch in the swimming world. As she continues to compete and push the boundaries of her sport, Smith’s legacy as a premier backstroke swimmer is firmly established.
Also Read- USA Medal Winners at Paris Olympics 2024: A Complete List
https://www.worldaquatics.com/athletes/1048421/regan-smith/profile
https://www.teamusa.com/profiles/regan-smith-1005704
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