Regan Smith Fires Off Stellar 400 IM at Pro Series Stop in Westmont

Regan Smith Fires Off Stellar 400 IM at Pro Series Stop in Westmont

In the previous, we’ve periodically seen Regan Smith ship a stellar efficiency within the 200-meter particular person medley. On these events, the efforts have been met with a nod of appreciation for Smith’s talent set past the backstroke and butterfly, the place she has established herself as a multi-time Olympic medalist.

On Thursday evening, whereas racing on the USA Swimming Pro Series cease in Westmont (Ill.), Smith put her versatility on additional show, as she clocked an enormous private greatest en path to victory within the 400 IM. Using her dominant strokes to construct an enormous lead on the sector, Smith touched the wall in 4:35.79, an effort that marked a three-second drop from her earlier greatest time within the occasion.

It wasn’t a shock that Smith surged to a lead in the course of the butterfly and backstroke legs, however there was doubt as as to whether the two-time Olympian may preserve her benefit over the breaststroke and freestyle legs. Ultimately, she was greater than stable over the again half of her race, permitting the 24-year-old to comfortably end forward of Argentine star Agostina Hein (4:38.84) and two-time Olympic medalist Emma Weyant (4:39.24).

Smith opened her newest Pro Series foray with a powerful victory within the 200 backstroke on Night One, as she produced a mark of two:04.90. That kind of outing was anticipated from Smith, however the 400 medley was a pleasing shock. No, the 400 IM is just not in Smith’s future with regards to figuring out her meet applications. Yet, it confirmed her coaching on the University of Texas continues to progress.

Later this month, Smith shall be one in every of a number of Americans racing on the China Open, the place a loaded subject is anticipated. That meet is more likely to see Smith in her typical domains. But for one evening within the Chicago suburbs, it was satisfying to see Smith contest an occasion that’s uncommon for her schedule – and to see her excel at a excessive stage.