Quick Facts

Specialty: Backstroke, Butterfly, Freestyle

Biographical Information

Regan Smith is a U.S. swimmer, specializing in backstroke, butterfly, and freestyle. A world record holder and Olympic medalist, Smith has established herself as a key figure on the U.S. national swimming team.

Smith was born to a family who encouraged her swimming career. Smith began swimming at the age of two when her parents signed her up for swimming lessons to learn water safety. Smith quickly showed promise in backstroke events and won her first race at the age of seven.

She achieved the world record in the 100-meter backstroke (long course) and junior world record in the 200m backstroke (long course) and has demonstrated versatility across multiple strokes.

Outside of swimming, she is known for her academic focus and has expressed interest in marine biology. She enjoys spending time with friends, participating in water sports, bowling, and watching ice skating and gymnastics.

Olympic Highlights

Smith's Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games showcased her ability to perform under pressure, earning medals in both individual and relay events. There she earned a silver medal in the 200m butterfly, a bronze medal in the 100m backstroke, and a silver medal as part of Team USA's 4x100m medley relay team.

At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Regan Smith captured three silver medals in an impressive showing, reaching the podium in the 200m butterfly final, 100m backstroke final, and 200m backstroke final.

World Championships

At the 2019 world championships in Gwangju, Regan Smith made history with an extraordinary performance, claiming gold in both the 200m backstroke final and 4x100m medley relay final, while setting world records in both the 100m backstroke (during the semifinals) and 200m backstroke.

Three years later at the 2022 world championships in Budapest, Smith continued her dominance in the backstroke events, securing gold medals in both the 100-meter backstroke final and as part of the 4x100m medley relay team.

Early Career

She attended Lakeville North High School, where she set multiple state records. Smith's breakthrough on the international stage came at the 2017 world junior championships, where she won multiple gold medals and set junior world records.

Her collegiate career at Stanford University was marked by NCAA titles and record-breaking performances. Smith has successfully balanced the demands of collegiate swimming with her international career, showcasing her versatility and dedication to the sport.

Smith trained at Stanford University, refining her technique and race strategy. Smith's smooth, efficient stroke and powerful underwater work contribute significantly to her success.

Smith continued to be a vital member of the U.S. national swimming team while competing for Stanford University. Later, Smith transferred to Arizona State University, where she continued to win medals and set personal bests.

Olympic Experience

2-time Olympian; 8-time Olympic medalist (2 gold, 5 silver, 1 bronze)
- Olympic Games Paris 2024, gold (4 x 100m Medley Relay - Mixed, 4 x 100m Medley Relay - Women), silver (100m Backstroke - Women, 200m Backstroke - Women, 200m Butterfly - 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

Most recent: 2023 – gold (4 x 100m Medley Relay - Women), silver (100m Backstroke - Women, 200m Backstroke - Women, 50m Backstroke - Women), bronze (200m Butterfly - Women)
Years of participation: 100m Backstroke - Women 2022, 2023; 200m Backstroke - Women 2017, 2019, 2023; 200m Butterfly - Women 2022, 2023; 4 x 100m Medley Relay - Women 2019, 2022, 2023; 50m Backstroke - Women 2022, 2023
Medals: 9 (5 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze)
- 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)
- Silver – 2023 (100m Backstroke - Women, 200m Backstroke - Women, 50m Backstroke - Women)
- Bronze – 2023 (200m Butterfly - Women)

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