Regan Smith broke the short course 200m backstroke world record on Saturday, clocking 1:58.83 at the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup in Singapore.
## What happened?
Regan Smith, an eight-time Olympic medalist, beat Australian Kaylee McKeown's world record of 1:58.94 set in November 2020.
Smith's record-breaking swim came one day after she broke her own world record in the 100m back.
## Why it matters for Regan Smith
This win solidifies Regan Smith's position as a top backstroke swimmer, holding world records in the 100m back in both 25- and 50-meter pools and the 200m back in 25-meter pools.
Regan Smith now holds multiple world records, with McKeown still holding the 50m and 200m back records for 50-meter pools.
## What comes next?
Regan Smith was edged out by fellow American Kate Douglass for the World Cup overall title, combining each swimmer's separate results over the three-stop series.
Douglass won all nine of her events over the three weeks, with one event per day at each stop.
Regan Smith's performance at the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup is a significant achievement, especially given the short course format.
The World Cup, held in 25-meter pools, is a unique challenge for swimmers like Regan Smith, who typically compete in 50-meter pools at the Olympics.
Regan Smith's record-breaking swim in the 200m backstroke is a testament to her skill and dedication to the sport.
Kate Douglass, who won the overall title, noted that racing this much is a learning experience, figuring out how to do all this on her own.
Caeleb Dressel, another American swimmer, shared his early outlook on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, considering swimming strictly the 50m freestyle.
Regan Smith's record-breaking performance at the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup will likely impact her training and strategy for upcoming competitions.
With multiple world records under her belt, Regan Smith is poised to make a strong showing at future events, including the Olympics.
The World Aquatics Swimming World Cup provided a platform for Regan Smith to showcase her skills and break records, and she took full advantage of the opportunity.
Regan Smith's success at the World Cup is a significant milestone in her career, demonstrating her ability to perform under pressure and push herself to new heights.