Regan Smith on Nationals, Fighting for Spots on Team USA: “It taught me a lot about grit”

2025 U.S. NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

After her week concluded, Regan Smith reiterated to the media that for her, this year has been about “taking a big fat mental break”. She also reiterated that she is extremely competitive.

Smith wasn’t as dominant as she may be used to being on the domestic stage, but the 2x Olympian did qualify for 4 individual events for the upcoming world championships, a feat she’s never accomplished before.

At moments throughout the week when the world record holder could have been disappointed with her performances, Smith had to remind herself that she’s still getting back into the swing of things after a much-needed break post-Paris. After all, it’s 2025, not 2028.

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Walsh-Madden-Grimes-Weinstein
2 hours ago

In the past 16 months, Kate Douglass has swum even more since she competed at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships.

Tom McG
4 hours ago

It is nice to see a swimmer like Regan see the value in taking a break. In the sport of swimming, athletes are conditioned from a very young age to believe that missing even a single day of training is unacceptable—let alone a week. However, the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that swimmers can take extended breaks from the water and still return to competition performing just as well, if not better. This highlights the importance of rest and recovery, and the value of time away from the sport. Coaches and parents must begin to recognize and emphasize this. Burnout is a significant issue in swimming, and it is perpetuated by the rigid mindset that every training session is non-negotiable. It’s time… Read more »

Wanna Sprite?
Reply to  Tom McG
3 hours ago

I also think Bob learned a lot from Phelps’s journey as an athlete and his struggles with depression. How training 365 days a year for 6 years straight might not be the best method for everyone, even superstars like Marchand and Reagan. Also MP was just a machine

Crooked lane lines
5 hours ago

Love that she’s finding balance in this sport. Huge Regan fan! Whether she signed up for it or not, she’s such an inspiration

96Swim
6 hours ago

I feel like something really special is coming for her in Singapore. Sub 57 in the 100 back. Probably leading off the relay.

VA Steve
6 hours ago

Regan is dialed in and self aware. Love the balance her and Kate are bringing to their lives, which better ensures that they will swim through LA ’28.

Regan Smith 56 and 53 100 back
8 hours ago

She qualified for all 4 in 2023 as well

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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