Breaking Barriers: Regan Smith Sets American Record in 100m Backstroke at Speedo Grand Challenge

Last weekend, at the Speedo Grand Challenge in Irvine, California, Regan Smith broke her own American record in the 100m backstroke. Her time of 57.51 seconds was just six hundredths faster than her previous record set at the 2019 World Championships when she was only 17 years old.

At the 2019 World Championships, Smith made headlines by breaking Missy Franklin’s world record in the same event while leading off a medley relay. Despite her impressive performance, Smith came into Sunday’s race as the second-fastest woman in history, with Australian Kaylee McKeown holding the current world record of 57.33 seconds.

McKeown, who also won the 50m, 100m, and 200m backstrokes at the 2021 world championships, has consistently dominated the backstroke events. The U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials are right around the corner, with the top two swimmers in most events earning a spot on the team for the Paris Olympics. Smith will be looking to secure her place on the team and potentially challenge McKeown for the top spot in the backstroke events.