Regan Smith opens up about her rivalry with Kaylee McKeown, draws parallel to the dynamic between Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte

Regan Smith spoke on her rivalry with Kaylee McKeown, comparing it to the dynamic between Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte. Phelps and Lochte were known for their rivalry, with the former winning 16 times in major events, while the latter claimed victory four times before the former retired in 2016.

Smith recalled feeling intimidated by McKeown after the Tokyo Olympics, where the Australian had an impressive campaign, winning three golds and one silver. Meanwhile, Smith earned two silver medals and one bronze in Tokyo. In the 100m backstroke, she finished third, the event which was won by McKeown.

In her appearance on the Unfiltered Waters podcast, she spoke on her rivalry with McKeown, adding (starting at 46:40):

“After Tokyo, I think I had a hard time even like hearing Kaylee's name. Like I just think she intimidated me so badly and I was so frustrated and I wanted the accomplishments that she had achieved so badly.”

However, Smith revealed that she now loves competing against her Australian rival, saying:

“And I really do just feel so like at peace with it now. And I think she's an incredible person and I love competing against her and I'm so proud of her too.”

Moreover, the 22-year-old expressed that she believes their rivalry has the potential to become like that of Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte.

“And also I think what we have continued to do in between these past two (Olympic) Games and I think what we'll continue to do with each other until we retire is pretty incredible and like hasn't really been seen since Phelps and Lochte,” she added.

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Regan Smith reacts to Michael Phelps’ comments on being disappointed with USA swimmers' performance at Paris Olympics

Regan Smith at Paris Olympics. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

Following the conclusion of the swimming events, Michael Phelps shared how he was disappointed with the performance of the USA swimmers at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Although the USA topped the overall medal table with 28 medals (eight gold, 13 silver, seven bronze), Australia was closely behind throughout the competition, narrowly coming second with seven gold, nine silver, and three bronze medals.

In an interview with USA Today, Phelps said:

“For me, as a whole, I was pretty disappointed to see the U.S. swimming results. One of the things that I've always said the last few years is the rest of the world is catching up. I think a lot of the things that we've done as a country for so long, the other people are catching up…Hopefully, we're able to make that transition leading into 2028."

After Phelps’ remarks, Regan Smith was asked her opinion on the swimming great’s comments. To which, she responded (in August 2024):

“I mean he has a point! I think this team is truthfully a team that has not much experience under their belt... I was one of the oldest members of that team, and I'm 22.”

Notably, Regan Smith had a memorable journey in Paris as she returned home with two golds and three silver medals.