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Regan Smith on WR: “Kaylee is wonderful at executing… I’d like to work on doing the same”

2024 U.S. OLYMPIC TRIALS

Regan Smith broke her own American record in the 100 back tonight, clocking a 57.47 in the 100 back to take the top seed out of semi-finals. Smith is well aware that she’s now only .14 away from Kaylee McKeown’s world record in the event and will try to find a couple more tenths to drop tomorrow in the final.

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Old guy in speedos
4 months ago

I think its really cool that all these swimmers respect their rivals.

Aragon Son of Arathorne
4 months ago

off topic but 2 thoughts:

Every single final swimmer should be introduced as they walk out with their accolades. I feel like they just showed up behind the block and dove in.

Also, they need to interview the top 2 swimmers. Keep it brief if you have to but those 2 are most likely going to Paris. I was disappointed last night to see Claire kind of brushed away in the 2 free.

Swimdad
Reply to  Aragon Son of Arathorne
4 months ago

Not sure where you get your feed but all finals swimmers are introduced and shown on the jumbotron.

Also I believe the 4 relay qualifiers in 200fr were interviewed. But I agree, the top two should get their moment.
The coverage seem rushed for some reason. NBC couldn’t wait to go back to their “regularly scheduled program”….who wants to be a millionaire.

ShaZ
Reply to  Aragon Son of Arathorne
4 months ago

Clearly you haven’t been to the event live. The finalists march out one by one with a video of them on a huge screen behind them and the announcer gives their top accomplishments.

saltie
4 months ago

I think between 2020 and 2022 we saw a Regan Smith who was being held back mentally and by her training (Greg Meehan ahem). Now she is clearly thriving under Bowman, and she is far more confident than she was during those years. On top of that, it looks like she finally hit her taper right, rather than only being fast in season.
I think Kaylee and Regan are both at the very top of their game right now, and these Olympics will, in my opinion, decide who is actually better at their peak.

Aussie haters will say I’m just making excuses for Regan but it’s very clear. In her Unfiltered Waters episode, she opened up about how… Read more »

SwimFan49
Reply to  saltie
4 months ago

Also great article here in the Mpls StarTribune on Smith and what she went through and where she’s at now.

https://www.startribune.com/paris-olympics-swimming-regan-smith-lakeville-usa-olympic-trials/600373353/

Sub13
Reply to  saltie
4 months ago

Garbage. Of course when the swimmer you don’t like has dominated for the last 5 years you say “oh the last 5 years don’t count, it’s just the next two races”.

Regan is looking incredible and has a strong shot at both backstroke races in Paris. But you’re just trying to invalidate anything that contradicts what you want to believe.

Joel
Reply to  saltie
4 months ago

Kaylee lost her Dad n 2020 and changed coaches in 2021 so I’m willing to bet she went through a lot too.

Troyy
Reply to  saltie
4 months ago

Do you think anything Regan went through was harder than Kaylee losing her father to an absolutely terrible disease during the peak of the pandemic while preparing for Tokyo? While Regan was throwing herself a pity parade Kaylee was breaking a world record and winning double gold to honour her father.

Greg P2
4 months ago

I want reagan to win this time around. And then 2028 they decide once and for all who is the best

Swimdad
4 months ago

Two US women go sub 58, two more under 59 and it’s only in the semi’s. Expecting more fireworks tonight. Tonight’s winner, is most likely the WR holder and the olympics champion.

Last edited 4 months ago by Swimdad
Miss M
4 months ago

Such a great swim. Love the respect she has for Kaylee (which seems to be mutual). They are taking backstroke to new levels.

Genevieve Nnaji
4 months ago

Bob has trained her to swim like Kaylee:

Holding back in the first lap, and charging fast in the second 50m.

mS424
Reply to  Genevieve Nnaji
4 months ago

I agree 100%

Troyy
Reply to  Genevieve Nnaji
4 months ago

If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.

Swim Nerd
Reply to  Troyy
4 months ago

or hook ’em

Awsi Dooger
Reply to  Genevieve Nnaji
4 months ago

It needs to be just the opposite. Regan was breaking world records in 2019 when she got the big gasp from the crowd at the wall, once they saw the split. Now she’s receiving a small gasp. That’s what a tenth or two below norm is worth, and it will never defeat Kaylee McKeown.

Regan is steadily getting rid of the late stall. That’s logical. It never made sense for a swimmer of that caliber to struggle late in race after race. She is at peak and has regained confidence. But only the big wow of half a second has a chance at gold. Regan can defeat McKeown from in front. Adrenaline in the biggest meet of your life… Read more »

There's no doubt that he's tightening up
Reply to  Awsi Dooger
4 months ago

Yeah a backhalfer could never do something extraordinary like winning 8 Olympic golds in one Games

Aragon Son of Arathorne
Reply to  Genevieve Nnaji
4 months ago

I feel like she wasn’t holding back last night. You could definitely tell she was in the heats. Maybe just a touch?

Sub13
4 months ago

I’m so excited for this race in Paris. Battle of Titans

mS424
Reply to  Sub13
4 months ago

No literally!!! Battle of Giants and Greats and the battle for bronze should be amazing. Berkoff vs Masse.

Genevieve Nnaji
Reply to  mS424
4 months ago

It’s crazy that in women’s events we’ll be watching multiple fastest ever battling it out in many events.

M d e
Reply to  mS424
4 months ago

Shame Mollie O isn’t going to swim it. Would be nuts with her in the mix for bronze also.

Womens back is cooking atm (and women’s swimming generally).

ekek
Reply to  M d e
4 months ago

Has she confirmed she won’t swim it in Paris?

About Coleman Hodges

Coleman Hodges

Coleman started his journey in the water at age 1, and although he actually has no memory of that, something must have stuck. A Missouri native, he joined the Columbia Swim Club at age 9, where he is still remembered for his stylish dragon swim trunks. After giving up on …

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