“Just Stop”: Regan Smith’s ‘Bad Word’ Celebration Sparks Debate in Swimming Community Post Securing World Record at Olympic Trials

“The second that I start worrying about people around me, it’s going to affect me mentally,” said Regan Smith back in 2021 after leading team USA to silver in 4x100m medley relay during the Tokyo Olympics. Though after the games, Smith faced an episode of exhaustion, she didn’t let that hinder her backstroke performances following that. Hence, on June 18, 2024, when she stepped in the Lucas Oil stadium in Indianapolis, she was girded up to clinch her ticket to Paris.

Smith did exactly that, when she broke the prior world mark held by Australian swimmer Kaylee McKeown in the 100m backstroke with a time of an astounding 57.13 seconds. Post that, as she celebrated her victory, it garnered the attention of many.

Kyle Sockwell tweeted about Smith’s celebration on June 23rd, which sparked a heated discussion. This tweet, which featured a video of Smith breaking the record, was quick. However, it looks like she’s saying, “F*uck yes.” The video has sparked conversations on language appropriateness in competitive environments and good sportsmanship.

Divergent opinions were represented among swimmers. Some claimed that Smith’s profanity was a normal response to an amazing feat, even though it wasn’t suitable. Others thought that such actions should have resulted in a disqualification because they were unworthy of a professional athlete. Notwithstanding the controversy, Smith’s performance is still showing her talent and commitment to the game.

Fans’ views on Regan Smith

The talk about imposing penalties on swimmers for celebrating has sparked strong feelings. Discussions have been greatly influenced by Regan Smith’s experience. Fans draw attention to how different events have different rules and the wider effects of these restrictions. An expert pointed focus to the inconsistency of the regulations, saying, “Club? DQ / Warning. HS? DQ / Warning. Pro? Nothing. Nothing at all. Taunting is a completely different situation that should have a completely different set of rules applied to it, but if you actually tried to DQ Regan Smith for this, the entire sports world would turn on you.” 

An additional admirer strongly opposed to the need to punish swimmers for celebrating: “The desire to punish swimmers for celebrating has to be studied.” This raises the possibility that control, rather than good sportsmanship, may be the driving force behind these punishments.

Reaction info: Do You Think Regan Smith Should be Punished? React!

Speaking for a larger annoyance, a fan yelled, “Good grief just stop with the petty, holier than thou attitudes. A WR swim by an adult in an adult setting. Just stop.” This highlights how ridiculous it feels to punish a professional athlete for setting a new record. Additionally, there was also a strong statement made opposing the disqualification: “Absolutely NOT for a DQ. Are you kidding with this?” The widespread opinion among swimmers and fans captures the tremendous opposition to the proposal.

Talking about DQed, February saw Owen Lloyd, an NCAA-level swimmer, get stripped of his title for celebrating his win a little too early as per the referees at the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Championships. He climbed on the barrier, dividing his and his teammate Ross Dant’s lane, who finished second, to celebrate with him. The win was very clear and obvious. What was not was that they were celebrating while the other swimmers were not finished yet. Calling for inappropriate behavior, Lloyd got DQed, leaving his teammate Dantt to claim the first position!

Another response that was clear evidence of amazement at the idea of being disqualified for such conduct was, “This cannot be real.” In general, the responses to Regan Smith’s possible punishment for her celebration are indicative of a larger debate concerning the legality of such punishments in professional sports. Thus, the demands and standards placed on top performers have been brought to light by Regan Smith’s record-breaking swim and the controversy that followed. With her sights set on Paris, Smith’s drive to succeed will surely be observed.