Regan Smith has rediscovered her passion for swimming, qualifying for the Olympics in the 200 butterfly, 200 backstroke, and 100 backstroke.
What sparked the change?
Her renewed love for the sport came after working with coach Bob Bowman, whose straightforward workout routine resonated with Smith.
She credits her current form to "a lot of mental work" and a new mindset that views competition as entertainment.
Regan Smith is now a professional aware of the pressure and expectations that come with competing at the highest level.
How did she overcome anxiety?
Smith's mental preparation includes simplifying the task of competing by focusing on entertaining the crowd, as advised by Emily Klueh, U.S. Swimmer's manager of psychological services.
This approach has helped her manage nerves and find joy in competing, as seen in her performance at the U.S. Swimming Trials last month.
The event was the most-attended swim meet in history, with 20,000 fans in attendance at Lucas Oil Stadium.
What's next for Regan Smith?
Regan Smith enters the Paris Olympics this week, back on top of the swimming world, with a newfound confidence and excitement for competition.
She set a world record in the 100 backstroke at the U.S. Swimming Trials, a significant achievement for the 22-year-old swimmer.
Regan Smith's journey to the Olympics has been marked by challenges and growth, but she is now ready to take on the world's best swimmers.
Her experience at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where she enjoyed bonding with fellow swimmers over games and music, has also contributed to her renewed love for the sport.
Regan Smith's performance at the Paris Olympics will be closely watched, as she aims to bring home medals and make a lasting impression on the swimming world.