Podium Potpourri: Getting to Know a Little More About Superstar Regan Smith
In the latest edition of Podium Potpourri, Swimming World continues its series of getting to know swimmers who have reached the podium on the world’s biggest stage.
Regan Smith, 22, from Lakeville, Minnesota, was born Feb. 9, 2002. She has won a plethora of medals at the junior national, national, international, NCAA and Olympic levels, defining herself as one of the premier athletes in the sport. In two Olympics, she has totaled two gold medals, five silver and a bronze. This past summer, she won silver in the 100 backstroke, 200 backstroke and 200 butterfly at the Olympic Games in Paris, plus two gold medals on relays. She is also a five-time world champion and two-time world junior champion.
WHAT IS YOUR PUMP-UP SONG BEFORE YOU GET BEHIND THE BLOCKS—OR IN THE READY ROOM?
I don’t listen to a specific song, but I like rap…so something like Megan Thee Stallion or Cardi B—just things to pump me up.
Regan Smith of United States of America reacts after competing in the Women’s 100m Backstroke preliminary during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at La Defense Arena in Paris (France), July 29, 2024.
WAS THERE ANOTHER SPORT YOU PARTICIPATED IN WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER? ANY MEMORIES STAND OUT?
I played soccer and did gymnastics. I quickly realized soccer wasn’t for me because I loved to be the one who scored, so I think I was a ball hog (lol). With gymnastics, I loved it, but I wasn’t very good at anything other than the uneven bars. I quit both sports by the time I was 9 years old.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE AND/OR BOOK? WHY?
I don’t know if I have a favorite book, but I have a couple series that I go back and read every few years or so from childhood. Those would be “The Hunger Games” series and “Percy Jackson.” I think I like it because it’s nostalgic.
WHERE DO YOU KEEP YOUR MEDALS?
My parents have display cases, so they keep them for me at home.
WHAT WENT THROUGH YOUR MIND ON THE PODIUM AT WORLDS, OLYMPICS AND NCAAs…AND HOW DID THEY DIFFER?
Olympics was by far the (most special) medal ceremony in terms of emotions and wanting to soak it in. I barely remember NCAAs because I only did it once. Worlds was also pretty special, but since we have Worlds more often than the Olympics, I’m desensitized to it, truthfully. But I’d like to re-center my perspective because Worlds is so awesome and an incredible accomplishment to get on the podium.
WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO FOOD TO CELEBRATE AFTER A BIG MEET?
I don’t restrict food or anything during a meet, so if I’m craving a burger or pizza or anything like that, I’ll eat it during the meet, honestly. Burgers are always my go-to.
IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPER POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE…AND WHY?
I’d have telekinesis because I love Stranger Things.
