In the Women’s 100m backstroke final during the U.S. Olympic Team Swimming Trials in Indianapolis, Regan Smith set a world record with a time of 57.13, breaking the previous record held by Australian Kaylee McKeown by two tenths of a second. The 22-year-old swimmer’s family jubilantly celebrated in the stands as she achieved this significant milestone after overcoming past struggles and setbacks.
Smith had previously set world records in the 100 and 200 backstroke in 2019 but faced challenges and pressure that impacted her performance leading up to the 2021 Olympic trials. Despite obstacles, Smith found her love for the sport again and transcended past disappointments. Switching coaches and turning professional, she trained with Bob Bowman in Arizona, gradually returning to peak form.
The journey to reclaiming the world record was not without setbacks, including battling mononucleosis in 2024, but Smith’s determination and hard work paid off. By setting new personal best times and breaking records leading up to the trials, she arrived confident and poised to compete at the highest level once more. This victory at the trials marked her second Olympic team qualification, a testament to her resilience and skill as a competitive swimmer.
Reflecting on her accomplishment, Smith expressed pride in her achievement and acknowledged that her perseverance and dedication had led to this moment. With her eye on the upcoming Olympics in Paris, she has proven that she possesses the talent and strength to excel on the international stage.
In conclusion, Regan Smith’s journey to reclaiming the world record was nothing short of remarkable. She faced numerous challenges along the way but never gave up on her dream of becoming one of the best swimmers in the world. With hard work, determination, and a change of scenery under Bob Bowman’s guidance in Arizona, Smith proved that anything is possible when you believe in yourself enough to keep pushing forward towards your goals.
