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 to her thoughts on USA Swimming’s Short Course World Championships Trials, we dive deep into what makes her tick. And this is the part most people miss: we even explore her take on the USOPC’s decision to block foreign athletes from the U.S. Olympic Training Center in 2028. Is she already eyeing Brisbane 2032? You’ll have to listen to find out.
Despite battling a cold during the recording (yes, even Olympians get sick!), this interview is packed with gold. Coleman Hodges steps in to keep things on track, and while we might drift off topic for the first few minutes, we’re back in the pool by the 4:30 mark. Clocking in at an hour and 15 minutes, this episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the mind of a champion.
But here’s the real question: Do you agree with Regan’s take on prize money, event specialization, or the future of swimming? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears!
Follow Regan Smith on Instagram here and Gold Medal Mel here. Huge thanks to Swimoutlet.com for their 14-year partnership in bringing you top-tier swimming news and media.
This episode is a Gold Medal Media production presented by SwimOutlet.com. Hosted by Gold Medal Mel Stewart, a 3-time Olympic medalist and co-founder of SwimSwam.com, the go-to source for swimming news. Opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts or partners.
Key Highlights:
- Regan’s sweep of the 100m Backstroke (57.98), 50m Backstroke (27.67), 100m Butterfly (56.18), and 200m Butterfly (2:05.29) at the Austin Pro Swim Series.
- Her thoughts on prize money, training, and event specialization.
- The impact of APA increases for USA Swimming National Team Members.
- Her perspective on the USOPC’s controversial 2028 policy.
- And much more…
About Gold Medal Mel Stewart: A legend in the pool, Mel won three Olympic medals in 1992, specializing in the 200 butterfly. As a writer, producer, and sports columnist, he’s contributed to Yahoo Sports, Universal Sports, and more. Read more about Mel here.
