Regan Smith is turning pro in preparation for the 2024 Olympics. She will train full time in Arizona with Bob Bowman, the former coach of Michael Phelps.
What happened?
Regan Smith announced her decision via her agent, Erika Wright, after a tremendous amount of reflection and soul-searching.
Why it matters for Regan Smith
Smith, a 20-year-old world record-holder with four World Championship gold medals and three Olympic medals, believes this is the best way to continue to develop as an athlete.
What comes next?
She will postpone her college degree to maximize her athletic competitive window and has signed a deal with Speedo, as she prepares for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Regan Smith's father, Paul, offered his support for his daughter's decision, saying she has always had a remarkably mature connection to her swimming.
And Smith is entirely confident that Bob Bowman's leadership and training will have her exactly where she wants to be for the 2024 Olympics.
So she will focus on increasing her training intensity, after spending a substantial part of the last two years on her mental game.
Bob Bowman called Smith a “special athlete,” adding she “has a clear picture of where she wants to go and how to get there.”
Regan Smith won an individual NCAA title in the 200-yard backstroke in her one year at Stanford.
She previously trained with coach Mike Parratto with the Riptide Swim Team in Apple Valley.
Now, she is ready to take her swimming career to the next level, as a professional athlete.
But Smith's decision to turn pro is not a surprise, given her impressive record and dedication to her sport.
Regan Smith is excited for this journey, and her fans are eagerly waiting to see her perform at the 2024 Olympics.
She has a long and challenging road ahead, but with her talent and hard work, she is sure to make a splash in the swimming world.