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—Regan sat down with us for a no-holds-barred conversation. But here’s where it gets controversial: does prize money really matter to an athlete at her level? And should she stick to backstroke or keep diversifying her events? These are just a few of the thought-provoking questions we tackle in this episode of the GMM podcast.
Regan isn’t your typical elite athlete. She’s refreshingly candid, steering clear of clichés and offering insights that are as rare as her achievements. From her training regimen (yes, she did a color-set and lifted weights the same week as her wins) to her thoughts on USA Swimming’s Short Course World Championships Trials, Regan holds nothing back. We even dive into the controversial topic of the USOPC blocking foreign athletes from the U.S. Olympic Training Center in 2028—a move that’s sparked heated debates across the sport.
But this is the part most people miss: Regan’s long-term vision. Is she already thinking about LA2028 and Brisbane 2032? And how does she balance her ambitions with the pressures of being a top-tier athlete? We explore all this and more in a conversation that’s as engaging as it is enlightening.
Now, full disclosure: I was under the weather during this interview, so my voice might sound a bit rough. But trust me, you won’t want to miss this. Coleman Hodges steps in to keep things on track, and while we might drift off topic for the first few minutes, we dive right into the deep end by the 4:30 mark. The podcast clocks in at about an hour and 15 minutes, packed with insights, laughs, and a few surprises.
Here’s the burning question we leave you with: Should Regan focus solely on backstroke to maximize her Olympic potential, or does racing multiple events make her a stronger, more versatile athlete? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
Follow Regan Smith on Instagram here and Gold Medal Mel here. A huge shoutout to Swimoutlet.com for their 14-year partnership and unwavering support of swimming news and media. This episode is a Gold Medal Media production, presented by SwimOutlet.com, and hosted by 3-time Olympic medalist and SwimSwam co-founder, Gold Medal Mel Stewart. Remember, the views of our guests are their own and don’t necessarily reflect those of the hosts or partners. Enjoy the podcast, and stay tuned for more!
