Regan Smith

Regan Smith is an accomplished competitive swimmer recognized globally for her performances in backstroke and butterfly events. Smith's career has seen her break world records in the women's long course 100-meter backstroke and 200-meter backstroke, earning her the nickname "Riptide Rocket." She marked her first major international appearance at the 2017 World Aquatics Championships and has since claimed numerous medals at the 2017 FINA World Junior Swimming Championships, the 2019 World Aquatics Championships, and the 2022 World Aquatics Championships. Her performance at the 2020 Summer Olympics saw her bring home two silver medals and one bronze. She again performed at the 2024 Summer Olympics, securing two gold medals and three silver medals.

Smith's journey in swimming began at Foss Swim School in 2007. She started competing collegiately for Stanford University in the fall of 2021 and then transitioned to professional swimming. After the end of the 2021–2022 collegiate season, she left Stanford University and started training with the Sun Devils at Arizona State University. She is currently under the guidance of renowned swimming coach Bob Bowman, who is also known for coaching Michael Phelps. Smith's record-breaking performances continued into 2021 and 2023, where she set new championship and American records in the 200-meter backstroke and 200-meter butterfly events.

Smith's performances have earned her several awards, including the Golden Goggle Award for Breakout Performer of the Year in 2019 and the honor of World Swimmer of the Year (female) by Swimming World in the same year. She was named the Pac-12 Swimmer of the Year in 2022 and 2023. Smith's participation and victories in various swimming competitions, including the NC State GAC Invitational, the U.S. Open Championships, and the TYR Pro Swim Series, further attest to her versatility and skill as a top-tier swimmer.