“I did not take it well at all” - Regan Smith makes her feelings known on Michael Phelps' former coach Bob Bowman leaving Arizona State University

Olympic champion Regan Smith recently opened up about her association with famous swimming coach Bob Bowman, best known for coaching swimming legend Michael Phelps. The 22-year-old swimmer talked about the time Bowman left Arizona State University for the University of Texas in early 2024.

In a podcast with former Olympic champion Katie Hoff and guest host Elizabeth Haisel on the YouTube channel 'Unfiltered Waters', Smith talked at length about her experience with Bowman, how she evolved as a swimmer at Arizona State University, and why she felt bad when Bowman left for the University of Texas.

"I just created the best environment for myself. I feel like I thrived there so well. I was really looking forward to go and practice [at ASU], and having [great] time with my friends, and so it felt like I was finally getting the college experience I never had, and it was so special to me. When Bob announced that he was moving to Austin, I did not take it well at all." [9:48 onwards]

Apart from Michael Phelps and Regan Smith, Bob Bowman has also coached people like Peter Vanderkaay, Eric Vendt, Kaitlan Sandeno, and most recently, French swimmer Leon Marchand. He was the head coach of the men's swimming team representing the USA at the Rio Olympics in 2016.

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Regan Smith on training with Bob Bowman

Regan Smith on training with Bob Bowman [Image Source : Getty]

Not many know that it was Bob Bowman who had convinced Regan Smith to join Arizona State University, where he served as the swimming coach till 2024. Till 2021, Smith was studying at Stanford University and had won three medals at the Tokyo Olympics.

However, her life took a significant turn when Bowman approached her and convinced her to join Arizona State University. In an interview with Olympics.com, Smith said that she loved attending the training sessions with Bowman, despite its grueling intensity. She stated:

“With swimming, I just haven't felt true happiness like I have these past nine months since... pre-Covid. I just love showing up to practice every day. I love the group that I'm in. I love competing more than I have in so long.”

Smith also mentioned that despite his disciplinarian approach, Bowman knew how to bring out the best in each swimmer. She further added,

“I'm a relatively sensitive person and so I respond well to positive words and words of encouragement. I don't respond as well to tough love. And I know that Bob... Bob can be a tough guy, for sure, but I think he knows how to handle each swimmer individually and cater to their needs. So I really appreciate and respect that about him.”

Regan Smith improved her performance by leaps and bounds at the Paris Olympics. She won 2 gold medals and three silver medals at the quadrennial event held in Paris.