Three-time Olympic medalist Regan Smith set a new world record in the women’s 100-meter backstroke Tuesday night with a time of 57.13 seconds at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Indianapolis. The 22-year-old pumped her fist and punched the water in celebration after seeing her time.
Smith was on the cusp of breaking Australian Kaylee McKeown’s world record time of 57.33 seconds Monday night in the semifinals, missing it by just .14 seconds while lowering her American record in the process. But Tuesday night proved to be the right race at the right time, and Smith reclaimed the 100 backstroke world record while punching her ticket to the Paris Olympics.
“I’m so proud of myself. Backstroke is hard for me sometimes, but to fight back like this and to get (the world record) back means a lot,” she said before thanking her parents and her high school swim coach, who was in attendance.
REGAN SMITH HAS DONE IT! 😱
A NEW 100m backstroke world record at #SwimTrials24. pic.twitter.com/cPSSPWX35s
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) June 19, 2024
Smith’s had an exceptionally strong meet so far, with an impressive third-place finish in the 100-meter butterfly to open trials and three strong swims in the 100 backstroke. She is the top seed in the women’s 200-meter butterfly…
