Regan Smith Fires Off Stellar 400 IM at Pro Series Stop in Westmont
In the past, we’ve periodically seen Regan Smith deliver a stellar performance in the 200-meter individual medley. On those occasions, the efforts have been met with a nod of appreciation for Smith’s skill set beyond the backstroke and butterfly, where she has established herself as a multi-time Olympic medalist.
On Thursday night, while racing at the USA Swimming Pro Series stop in Westmont (Ill.), Smith put her versatility on further display, as she clocked a huge personal best en route to victory in the 400 IM. Using her dominant strokes to build a massive lead on the field, Smith touched the wall in 4:35.79, an effort that marked a three-second drop from her previous best time in the event.
It wasn’t a surprise that Smith surged to a lead during the butterfly and backstroke legs, but there was doubt as to whether the two-time Olympian could maintain her advantage over the breaststroke and freestyle legs. Ultimately, she was more than solid over the back half of her race, allowing the 24-year-old to comfortably finish ahead of Argentine star Agostina Hein (4:38.84) and two-time Olympic medalist Emma Weyant (4:39.24).
Smith opened her latest Pro Series foray with an impressive victory in the 200 backstroke on Night One, as she produced a mark of 2:04.90. That type of outing was expected from Smith, but the 400 medley was a pleasant surprise. No, the 400 IM is not in Smith’s future when it comes to identifying her meet programs. Yet, it showed her training at the University of Texas continues to progress.
Later this month, Smith will be one of several Americans racing at the China Open, where a loaded field is expected. That meet is likely to see Smith in her typical domains. But for one night in the Chicago suburbs, it was enjoyable to see Smith contest an event that is rare for her schedule – and to see her excel at a high level.