Regan Smith Cruises to Title in 100 Butterfly At US Open
Given the way she opened the US Open on Thursday night, ReganSmith seemed primed to produce a dazzling show on the second night of competition. And that is exactly what the 20-year-old did at the Greensboro Aquatic Center, as Smith bested the competition in the 100-meter butterfly.
Packing the best front half and back half of the race, Smith cruised to a dominant win. Smith touched the wall in 57.65, not far off her personal best, and topped the second-place finisher Beata Nelson (58.93) by more than a second. Gabi Albiero was the third-place finisher in 59.06. With the 100 fly ranking no higher than fourth on Smith’s list of top events, her effort is a positive sign for where she sits on the cusp of 2023.
In late summer, Smith announced she was ahead of her final three years of collegiate eligibility to turn professional. As part of that decision, Smith opted to shift her coaching setup to Bob Bowman in the Arizona desert. Based on what Smith has done during her two days in North Carolina, it’s clear her training under Bowman is paying dividends.
Prior to her victory in the 100 butterfly, Smith claimed a first place finish in the 200 individual medley during Thursday night action, her time of 2:10.40 setting a personal record and opening eyes. The momentum gained from that performance carried over into the Friday schedule and is allowing Smith to put a nifty bow on her 2022 campaign.
Smith is slated to race the 200 butterfly and 200 backstroke on the last day of the meet, a double that could provide the latest evidence of the Team USA star’s growth during her three months working with Bowman. Especially in the 200 backstroke, Smith has an opportunity to deliver a statement swim in an event in which she is the world record holder, but has not represented the United States at the last two major international competitions.
