Regan Smith Breaks American and US Open Records with LCM 2:03.87 200 Butterfly

1ST ANNUAL SUN DEVIL OPEN

  • June 2-4, 2023
  • Mona Plummer Aquatic Center, Tempe, Arizona
  • Long Course Meters (50m)
  • Psych Sheets
  • Results on Meet Mobile “2023 Sun Devil Open”

Regan Smith set a new American Record in the LCM 200 butterfly tonight as she swam a 2:03.87 in her home pool in Tempe. Smith broke the previous record of 2:04.14 set by Mary Mohler (nee DeScenza) back at the 2009 World Championships during the supersuit era.

Mohler’s record was the third-oldest LCM American Record still standing. The only ones set before Mohler were the 400 IM (Katie Hoff 4:31.23 June 29, 2008) and 200 IM (Ariana Kukors 2:06.15 July 27, 2009). Kukors was only two days older than Mohler’s.

That was a huge personal best for Smith whose previous best stood at a 2:05.30 which she swam to win silver at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Split Comparison:

Smith- Sun Devil Smith- 2020 Tokyo
Mohler- 2009 Worlds
1st 50 27.75 28.12 28.79
2nd 50 31.83 32.27 31.78
3rd 50 32.24 32.81 31.92
4th 50 32.05 32.1 31.65
2:03.87 2:05.30 2:04.14

Smith was faster here today on every 50 compared to her previous best time from Tokyo. In addition, Smith was out faster than Mohler was back in 2009. Mohler touched at the 100 mark in a 1:00.57. Smith was almost a whole second faster today as she swam 59.58 on the first 100.

Smith also set a new US Open Record with her swim from today. That broke Summer McIntosh‘s record of 2:05.05 which she swam back in March of this year at Pro Swim-Fort Lauderdale.

McIntosh led the World in the event this season up until tonight. McIntosh swam a 2:04.70 at Canadian Trials at the end of March, setting a World Junior record.

Smith is the top American in five events so far this season: the 100 back, 200 back, 100 fly, 200 fly, and 200 IM.

Race video of the event is down below, courtesy of Buttstroke Swimming on Twitter:

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David
1 year ago

She’s not beating summer , smith won’t swim as well when she goes up against the top guns we saw it at the olympics.

Swimfan
Reply to  David
1 year ago

You right 💯 she won’t swim well she’ll swim great

crazycanuck
1 year ago

well the 200 fly will be interesting at Worlds not counting out Summer for the Gold yet but i do believe Regan Smith is an even bigger threat of beating Summer than Titmus and Ledecky in the 400 free.

Darin J
1 year ago

My hometown girl will be the first under 2:00 in both the 200 fly and back, as well as the first sub :57 in the 100 back. You mark my words!

NoFlyKick
Reply to  Darin J
1 year ago

That would be legendary, but it sounds exceedingly unlikely. RS would have to drop nearly 1s per 50.

Ol' Longhorn
1 year ago

Dressel hasn’t hit 49 flat in free yet. And there’s this Casas guy. Keep up with the plot.

zdh
1 year ago

That last underwater giving Phelps vibes 🥶

snailSpace
1 year ago

The best male butterfly option as of right now is Casas.

Swimfan
1 year ago

Man if there was ever a 4×200 medley relay I wish they start would love to see what Regan and the American women put together

Ferb
Reply to  Swimfan
1 year ago

I’ve always thought that would be way more interesting than the mixed relays.

Xman
Reply to  Swimfan
1 year ago

It’s cool at the high level but having to watch 14 year olds do that would be brutal.

Swimfan
Reply to  Xman
1 year ago

It’s not 800 IM it’s 4×200 medley relay I was referring to

4 kick pullout
Reply to  Swimfan
1 year ago

Ur thinking of the fast 14 yr olds. Ur forgetting about the team that has a 3:15 avg 200 time in stroke. Thats 13m total. Dear god pls never.

Tracy Kosinski
1 year ago

I think what I love most is that she’s thriving under Bowman and loves what she does. I see lots of pros that don’t love swimming as much as Regan. I’m very happy for her 🙂

About Anya Pelshaw

Anya Pelshaw

Anya has been with SwimSwam since June 2021 as both a writer and social media coordinator. She was in attendance at the 2022 and 2023 Women's NCAA Championships writing and doing social media for SwimSwam. Currently, Anya is pursuing her B.A. in Economics and a minor in Government & Law at …

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