Regan Smith Sets Herself Up for Double Showdown at 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials

In an exhilarating morning session at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials, Regan Smith showcased her stunning form, preparing for an intense evening of competition. Smith's impressive performances throughout the week have been nothing short of remarkable, and today she is gearing up for the challenging 200 fly/200 back double in the finals.

The day started with three thrilling events on the schedule: the women's 200 backstroke, men's 50 freestyle, and men's 200 IM. However, the excitement didn't stop there. After the preliminaries, a highly anticipated swim-off between Catie DeLoof and Erika Connolly (neé Brown) will determine the sixth and final spot for the women's 4x100 freestyle relay in Paris.

In the women's 200 backstroke, Regan Smith confidently positioned herself to take on the 200 fly final and the 200 backstroke semifinal later tonight. Smith has been in scintillating form, even during her morning swims. However, she will likely conserve her energy for the upcoming challenges. The race is stacked, with Phoebe Bacon and Rhyan White, who both outpaced Smith in this event in 2021, returning to the field. Notably, Bacon displayed an impressive 100 back swim, indicating her potential for something exceptional. Kennedy Noble, who delivered a standout 100 back performance, is also expected to shine in the 200 backstroke.

Next up is the men's thrilling "splash and dash." All four members of the newly appointed 4x100 freestyle relay for Paris will be competing, vying to secure another event in their roster. Chris Guiliano, after his outstanding performances in the 100/200 freestyle, has the opportunity to move up from his 10th place seed. Caeleb Dressel is determined to secure an individual Olympic berth, while Jack Alexy aims to build upon his silver medal at the 2023 World Championships.

The final event of the morning session is the men's 200 IM. Carson Foster, who has recently been named an Olympian, embarks on his quest to conquer the medleys after his victory in the 400 IM on night 2. Michael Andrew, a Tokyo Olympian in this event, has unfortunately withdrawn. However, there are still numerous challengers for Foster to keep an eye on. Shaine Casas enters as the top seed, known for surprising performances. Chase Kalisz will also strive for an IM double, and hopefuls like Destin Lasco, Maximus Williamson, and Trenton Julian are eagerly seeking a ticket to Paris.

Today's races promise intense competition, with records and titles at stake. The current world record of 2:03.14 held by Kaylee McKeown from Australia in 2023 highlights the level of excellence at play. In the American Record category, Regan Smith's impressive time of 2:03.35 from 2019 sets a high standard. Smith's U.S. Open Record of 2:03.80, also achieved in 2023, further cements her dominance in the event. In addition, Smith's World Junior Record of 2:03.35, set in 2019, showcases her exceptional talent at a young age.

Moreover, the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials champion, Rhyan White, who recorded a time of 2:05.73, adds another layer of competitiveness to the mix. As for the 2024 Olympic qualifying time, athletes will need to achieve a time of 2:10.39 to secure their spot on the Olympic team.

As the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials continue, fans and athletes alike eagerly anticipate the thrilling showdowns that lie ahead, where dreams will be realized and Olympic destinies will be determined.