Speedo, the world’s leading swimwear brand, has today signed three-time Olympic medalist and current world record holder Regan Smith – becoming the first NCAA-affiliated athlete to join team Speedo following a relaxing of regulations around collegiate athletes.
19-year-old Smith will be attending Stanford in the fall after deferring for a year to prepare for the Olympics, a decision which was vindicated as she won silver in the 200m butterfly and 4x100m medley, as well as bronze in the 100m backstroke.
Smith has been a long-time advocate of Speedo and wore the brand’s LZR Pure Intent suit when she broke her first world record – setting a time of 2:03.35 in the semi-finals of the 200m backstroke at the 2019 World Aquatics Championships in Gwangju, a record which stands to this day.
At the same meet, Smith also set a world record in her leg of the 4x100m medley relay as the USA took gold, setting a time of 57.57.
She wore the same suit, in a USA Federation print, at the Games as set an Olympic record in the 100m backstroke semi-final on her way to qualifying for the final.
Speaking about the partnership, Smith said: “Speedo has played a huge role in my career so far and has been a huge supporter of mine, so it is fantastic to be able to make our partnership official. Whenever I step onto the blocks, I feel confident that I am wearing the best suit in the world and one which has helped me to break world and Olympic records so far.”
Jim Gerson, President, Speedo North America, said: “Regan is one of the most exciting young stars in the world of swimming right now and we are honored that she has chosen to continue onto this next step of her career with Speedo. Regan had a phenomenal summer and has already been a world champion at such a young age, so we are incredibly excited to see what the future has in store for her.”
Smith becomes the latest high-profile female backstroke star to join Team Speedo and will follow in the footsteps of some of the biggest names both present and past from the division including Kathleen Baker, Missy Franklin, Natalie Coughlin and Elizabeth Beisel.
Swimming news is courtesy of Speedo, a SwimSwam partner.