NANTERRE, France — Regan Smith continues to make waves in the pool and Tuesday was no different.
The Lakeville native captured the silver medal in the 100-meter backstroke, an improvement from her bronze finish in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. It's her fourth Olympic medal after winning two silvers (200m butterfly, 4x100m medley) and that bronze.
Smith was determined to build off that finish in Tokyo, setting a world record in the event last month at the U.S. trials, however rival Kaylee McKeown of Australia surged about halfway through the return lap to capture the gold. McKeown finished with a time of 57.33, while Smith followed with a time of 57.66.
“She is an absolutely incredible racer and she knows what to do when it matters,” Smith said. “But I’m really proud of myself.”
Smith reached over the lane rope to congratulate McKeown, but this one had to sting. The 22-year-old appeared to be in top form after her performance and was primed to win the first gold medal of her career.
Instead, it was McKeown capturing her fourth gold. She swept the backstroke events in Tokyo and also claimed a gold in a relay.
“The nerves were definitely there but I just reminded myself it’s a pool in a different venue and I train every single day of my life,” McKeown said.
The U.S. also grabbed the bronze in Tuesday's final as Katharine Berkoff touched third in 57.98.
