In this captivating episode of the GMM podcast, we dive into the mind of an Olympic legend, Regan Smith, an 8-time medalist who continues to dominate the swimming world. But it's not just her athletic prowess that captivates us; it's her refreshing honesty and unique perspective.
Regan recently showcased her versatility at the 2026 Austin Pro Swim Series, claiming the top spot in four diverse events:
- 100m Backstroke: 57.98 seconds
- 50m Backstroke: 27.67 seconds
- 100m Butterfly: 56.18 seconds
- 200m Butterfly: 2:05.29 minutes
And here's where it gets impressive: she achieved this while balancing a color-set and weight training in the same week! But that's not all. Regan's appeal lies in her candid nature, a rare trait among elite athletes. She's not one to hide behind sports clichés, making her a fascinating conversationalist.
In this episode, titled 'What Does Regan Smith Think?', we delve into a myriad of topics, including:
- Training secrets and strategies
- The semi-finals at the Pro Swim Series
- The impact of prize money on athletes at her level (Regan's $7,500 win at Austin Pro Swim is a talking point)
- The debate: should Regan specialize in backstroke, or is racing in multiple events beneficial?
- Her upcoming race schedule and event choices
- The pros and cons of USA Swimming's Short Course World Championships Trials
- The much-needed APA increases for USA Swimming National Team Members
- The USOPC's decision to block foreign athletes at the U.S. Olympic Training Center during 2028
- Regan's long-term goals: is she eyeing LA 2028 and beyond?
This episode is a must-listen, despite a minor hiccup—one of our hosts was under the weather. But fear not, Coleman Hodges steps in to ensure a smooth conversation. After a brief off-topic start, we dive into the heart of the matter at the 4:30 mark.
Listen to this hour-long podcast and join the conversation in the comments. Share your thoughts and questions for Regan, and don't forget to follow her on Instagram.
Special thanks to Swimoutlet.com for their unwavering support over the past 14 years, making this podcast and swimming news accessible to all.
About the Host:
Gold Medal Mel Stewart, a 3-time Olympic medalist, co-founded SwimSwam.com, a leading swimming news platform. His expertise and passion for the sport are evident in every episode.
Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts or sponsors.
