Despite Limited Opportunities, Regan Smith Deserves Credit for 100 Butterfly Exploits
When the excellence of Regan Smith is examined, her exploits in the backstroke events and 200-meter butterfly receive the most attention – and rightfully so. The American possesses five individual Olympic medals and 10 solo World Championships medals between those events. Where Smith doesn’t receive proper credit is in the 100 butterfly, where she ranks among the finest performers in history.
Although single-session doubles are a norm in the sport, most elite athletes are forced to make scheduling decisions at some point during their careers. Usually, there is an overlap between events, and the meet’s schedule simply does not allow for peak performance in multiple disciplines. In other instances, an athlete might choose to prioritize a specific event as he/she pursues the best outcome.
For Smith, the 100 butterfly is the event that has been pushed to the back burner. Yet, during her career, Smith has taken advantage of her opportunities, including last weekend. As the 2026 USA Swimming Pro Series circuit opened in Austin, Smith claimed victory in some typical events – 50 backstroke, 100 backstroke, 200 butterfly. She also emerged triumphant in the 100 butterfly, thanks to a superb time of 56.18.
Smith’s time at the Jamail Swim Center equaled the mark she produced at last month’s U.S. Open and stands as the third-fastest time of her career. Twice, Smith has dipped under the 56-second barrier in the 100 butterfly, during the semifinals (55.92) and finals (55.62) at the 2024 United States Olympic Trials. That 55.62 clocking landed Smith a third-place finish at Trials and makes Smith the No. 5 performer in history.
Despite limited chances to contest the 100 butterfly on a major stage, Smith owns nine sub-57 efforts. That total is the sixth-highest figure by an American, trailing only Gretchen Walsh, Torri Huske, Dana Vollmer, Kelsi Dahlia and Claire Curzan. Of that group, only Smith has not had the opportunity to race the 100 fly at a global-championship meet.
There’s a possibility Smith will get the chance to race the 100 fly at an international meet in the future. That potential will rely, in part, on conversations between Smith and coach Bob Bowman. Regardless if that day arrives or not, Smith has certainly made the most of her chances in the event, and deserves recognition for what she’s accomplished.
Regan Smith’s Top Times – 100 Butterfly
55.62
55.92
56.18
56.18
56.36
56.60
56.68
56.85
56.92
