LAKEVILLE, Minn. — Lakeville native Regan Smith's first Olympic experience in the 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo was unique.
"My parents, rarely, if ever, miss any of my swim meets," Smith said. "To not have them there in Tokyo was really difficult."
Due to COVID, Smith's parents were watching her from home, where it was equally difficult for her father, Paul, and the rest of the family.
"It was such a chaotic time three years ago," Paul recalled. "Your heart rate ticks up, you just want nothing but the best."
As long as she qualifies, the Smiths will share this year's Summer Olympic Games experience together in Paris.
"I'm really excited for them, and myself, to have the opportunity to share that experience together, I think it will be great," said Regan.
"She can actually go and see somebody (in the crowd) that's there that's caring about her," said Paul. "That's great."
Regan is the American record holder in the 100-meter backstroke, just behind Australian Kaylee McKeown, who owns the world record and bragging rights after last summer's World Championships.
"Yeah, I'm really exciting, I think she brings out the best in me," Regan said.
"They both want to beat the tar out of each other," Paul said. "Regan's ready, and she's at her best. I know Kaylee will be at her best, and that's the best thing in sports, right? I think if they're both at their very best, to be very blunt, it's a coinflip."
A coin flip that could result in the 22-year old Regan finishing with a different colored medal than the bronze she earned back in the event back 2020. Regan also picked up silver in both the 200-meter butterfly and the 4x100-meter medley.
"Yeah, it would mean a lot (to win gold)," Regan said. "I had two silvers and a bronze, and so I've hit two out of three, and so I'd love to complete my collection, I suppose you could say."
"The flag comes down, and we've had that experience when she's been a gold medalist at Worlds, and things like that, but it's not the Olympics," said Paul.
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