By Foss Swim School, June 25, 2024
By Foss Swim School
By setting a new world record in the women’s 100-meter backstroke on June 18 with an amazing time of 57.13 seconds, three-time Olympic medal winner and Foss Swim School alumni Regan Smith earned a trip to Paris to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in July.
Swimming at the US Olympic Swimming Trials in Indianapolis, Regan qualified later in the week for two additional Olympic events: the 200-meter butterfly and 200-meter backstroke, winning both events. She was also named to the 4×100 meter medley relay team, meaning she’ll have four opportunities to compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her swimming events start on July 27 and could run though August 4.
A few days before heading to Indianapolis, Regan talked with us at Foss Swim School about the life of an Olympic-level athlete as the big event nears, how there is always more to learn as a swimmer, and the importance of resilience in swimming and life.
FOSS: What have you been up to since the last time we talked?
REGAN: I had one race in Texas that went really well; it was a lot of fun to race outside. Then we went training in the Olympic Training Center in Colorado for the entire month of May, then to Irvine California over Memorial Day weekend.
Now we are in the final stages of preparation. We’re really starting to pull back and rest our bodies a little bit, let our bodies repair themselves. Luckily the hard part of training is behind us. All the work we did is in the bank already so now we’re just fine-tuning stuff.
FOSS: You’ve been working towards this goal for a long time. What kinds of things are you still working on?
REGAN: There’s always room to learn and improve. We practice our starts a little bit more, and make sure our technique feels good in the water.
We’re also really focusing on recovery. Doing things that are good for our minds and bodies. For me that might mean reading a book, watching a TV show, shopping, doing fun activities that calm the mind and body. That’s what we’re trying to focus on right now.
FOSS: What’s on your mind when you are heading into a big meet?
REGAN: It’s going to be an amazing environment. It’s in Lucas Oil Stadium, a football stadium they converted into a water center, so I’m very curious what that will be like. But this swim meet is ginormous, and they do a really good job putting on a good show, and a lot of spectators will be there to watch. (See Regan’s clips from this event.)
A lot of people will feel a lot of pressure at this type of swim meet, and I’m really grateful to have a lot of experience now. But it will definitely be a high-stakes meet, and I’m sure I’ll feel the pressure, but I’m grateful it’s more excitement and anticipation than nerves.
FOSS: How do you practice resilience and stay focused on your goals when something important is coming up?
REGAN: I think if I focus on things that aren’t entirely in my control, that’s not good. I focus on what’s in my control, which is executing to the best I can, doing all the little things right. I just try to have goals that are things that are under my control.
FOSS: What does your day-to-day life look like as you head into the last month before the Olympics?
REGAN: Life has been pretty chill, pretty relaxed. Swimming is the focus. When I’m not swimming I’m hanging out with friends, or on the phone with family. But for the most part life is really routine-oriented.
We have a good little group going for training. Mostly me, Bob [Bowman, Regan’s coach] and about 10 others who are gearing up for the trials. It’s a small intimate group, but I’m grateful that it’s not just me.
Next stop: Paris
We couldn’t be more proud of Regan and all she has accomplished both in swimming and as a person! Follow along with FOSS on our Swim Like Regan page as we prepare to watch her in Paris in July and August, and catch up on our journey learning from her and watching her put into practice the life skills of resilience and confidence we teach all of our students.
