Editorial content for the 2019 USA Swimming National Championships coverage is sponsored by FORM Swim Goggles. See full event coverage.
Follow FORM on Instagram at @FORMSwim #swimwithform
Women’s 200 Fly (Regan Smith)
Coming off a pair of world records in the backstroke events at the recent World Championships, Regan Smith showed her versatility by winning the 200 fly in 2:07.26. Smith was only .48 off of last week’s gold medalist at Worlds, Hungary’s Boglarka Kapas, and .21 off of fellow American and silver medalist, Hali Flickinger. With her time from Nationals, Smith would have finished fourth in Gwangju. Smith will be favored to qualify for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo in several events, including the 200 fly.
Behind Smith, Lillie Nordmann touched the wall in 2:07.43, followed by Dakota Luther in third with a time of 2:07.76. Along with Flickinger and Katie Drabot, the bronze medalist in the 200 fly at Worlds, the United States now has five swimmers under 2:08 in the event. Smith moved up to seventh in the world with her swim while Nordmann moved up to 12th and Luther moved up to 15th.
Luther also improved on her season best of 2:07.92 from when she won the World University Games in July.
In fourth was Olivia Carter (2:08.22), with fifth going to Megan Kingsley (2:08.26). Sixth was claimed by Emily Large (2:08.39) and seventh went to Drabot (2:08.56). In eighth was Taylor Pike (2:10.68).
2019 World Rankings:
- 2:05.96, Hali Flickinger, USA
- 2:06.59, Katie Drabot, USA
- 2:06.62, Katinka Hosszu, HUN
- 2:06.78, Boglarka Kapas, HUN
- 2:07.16, Franziska Hentke, GER
- 2:07.21, Suzuka Hasegawa, JPN
- 2:07.26, Regan Smith, USA
- 2:07.32, Hiroko Makino, JPN
- 2:07.36, Zhang Yufei, CHN
- 2:07.39, Brianna Throssell, AUS
Difference in pools and jet lag.
Smith should try the medleys.
Valerie Gayle Uy
Great swim don’t do too much you will burn out.
Sure why not?
Regan Smith, you are amazing! Following and supporting you from MN ??♀️