Regan Smith has bounced back from the setback in Shanghai by shattering a world record in Incheon! At the latest stop of the 2024 Swimming World Cup, American swimmers Regan Smith and her teammate Kate Douglass showcased their competitive spirit, proving there’s no slowing down on the world stage. The two 22-year-olds took the swimming world by storm, leaving fans breathless with their record-breaking performances and thrilling races.

While Smith set a new American record in the 100-meter backstroke with a time of 54.89 seconds, she trailed behind Douglass by just 0.1 points. But from her form in the race, it was clear enough that Smith is here to make it historic!

The intense rivalry between Smith and Douglass heightened with each swim. And each continued to push the other one to a greater height. Douglass, while not at her personal best, fought through the 200 IM, securing victory over China’s Yu Yiting. Kate Douglass stated, “I gave it my all, and I am proud of my effort.” Well, her effort indeed did pay off. She continued to maintain her lead in the standings, though only by a razor-thin margin over Smith. However, Smith was still gearing up for a comeback.

Clocking an incredible 54.41 in the 100-meter backstroke she not only did secure the top position in the race but also built a new world record. Breaking Kaylee McKeown’s world record in the 100m backstroke, Regan answered her close finish by pulling off the most astonishing performance. Smith’s splits of 12.96/13.71/13.83/13.91 underscored her speed, power, and endurance, propelling her to the backstroke queen status at this year’s World Cup. With poise and grace, Smith took 0.15 seconds off McKeown’s record from last month to rewrite history.

Alongside the latest race, Smith also won the 200-meter backstroke at the Shanghai stop, defeating Anastasiya Shkurday and Beata Nelson in 2:00:42. But, despite the win, she could not overtake Douglass. After trailing behind Kate Douglass by 0.1 points, Regan reflected on her race, and said, “It was a good race, but it was a pretty close race. I was pushed the whole time, which I really enjoyed. I love World Cup racing. It’s been so great; the atmosphere has been amazing, the fans have been awesome. It’s been a very positive experience.” 

While she admitted that it’s been an awesome experience for her she also added that it was “pretty close”. And that’s why she made sure to move even closer and grab the highest position on the podium yet again aiming for the top rank. Following Smith, Canada’s Ingrid Wilm finished second in 56.14 seconds and secured the silver medal. While Beata Nelson from the U.S. completed the podium, clocking in at 56.41. The neck-and-neck rivalry between Kate Douglass and Regan Smith is truly raising the stakes for the World Cup. However, there lies another layer to their ratio that makes this competition even more historic.

Regan Smith vs Kate Douglass: a rivalry rooted in friendship 

Despite being outpaced in the rankings table by Kate Douglass, Regan Smith did not step back from displaying her magnificent sportsmanship spirit. Shattering a 15-year-old world record Douglass emerged as the queen in the 200-meter backstroke. Rebecca Sonu back in 2009 timed 2:14.57s in the race. Kate outpaced that with ease touching the wall in 2:14.16, she etched her name in the history. 

This wasn’t Douglass’ only impeccable achievement. She also won two gold breaking national records. Adding to the list, Kate became the first American woman to dip under 57 seconds in the 100m individual medley. While this was indeed a moment of celebration for her fans, her top rival did not fall short of words to acknowledge Douglass’ marvelous feat. Regan Smith took to her Instagram and shared a one-word praise for her Paris teammate commenting “Slay”.

Their bond extends ways beyond the ripples of this competitive realm of the World Cup. Regan Smith and Kate Douglass held hands to represent their nation in the Paris Olympics. Not only did they compete in the same team, but their joint efforts brought home a gold in the Women’s 4×100 meter medley at the París La Défense Arena.