Ever wondered what goes on in the mind of an 8-time Olympic medalist? Regan Smith, the swimming phenom, is here to spill the beans. Fresh off her dominating performance at the 2026 Austin Pro Swim Series—where she swept four events with jaw-dropping times (100m Backstroke: 57.98, 50m Backstroke: 27.67, 100m Butterfly: 56.18, 200m Butterfly: 2:05.29)—Regan sat down with us for a no-holds-barred conversation. And let’s be honest, she’s not your typical athlete. She’s refreshingly candid in a world where clichés reign supreme. That’s why this episode is aptly titled What Does Regan Smith Think?
But here’s where it gets controversial: Should Regan stick to backstroke, or does diversifying her events actually strengthen her overall game? And what about prize money—does $7,500 from the Austin Pro Swim Series even move the needle for someone at her level? We dive into these questions and more, including:
- The nitty-gritty of her training regimen (yes, she’s lifting weights and crushing color-sets in the same week).
- Her thoughts on USA Swimming’s Short Course World Championships Trials—is it a game-changer or just meh?
- The recent APA increases for National Team Members—a long-overdue win or too little, too late?
- The USOPC’s decision to block foreign athletes from the U.S. Olympic Training Center in 2028—fair play or protectionism?
- And the million-dollar question: Is Regan already eyeing Brisbane 2032?
This conversation is packed with insights, but fair warning: I was under the weather during recording, so my voice might sound like I’ve been gargling chlorine. Luckily, Coleman Hodges stepped in to save the day. We might drift off-topic for the first 4 minutes, but trust me, we get back on track by 4:30. The full podcast clocks in at about an hour and 15 minutes—perfect for your next swim workout or commute.
But this is the part most people miss: Regan’s transparency isn’t just refreshing—it’s rare. She’s not afraid to challenge the status quo or share her unfiltered opinions. So, here’s your chance: What do you think about her take on prize money, event specialization, or the future of swimming? Agree or disagree, drop your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
Follow Regan Smith on Instagram and Gold Medal Mel on Instagram for more behind-the-scenes action. Huge thanks to Swimoutlet.com for their 14-year partnership in bringing you top-tier swimming content.
This podcast is a Gold Medal Media production, presented by SwimOutlet.com. Your host, Gold Medal Mel Stewart, is a 3-time Olympic medalist and co-founder of SwimSwam.com. Disclaimer: The views expressed by our guests are their own and don’t necessarily reflect those of the hosts or our partners.
Ready to dive in? Check out recent GMM podcasts and learn more about Mel’s journey from the pool to the podcast booth here.
