U.S. Olympic Trials: Regan Smith Pulls Away to Top Field in 200 Butterfly; Alex Shackell Claims Second

U.S. Olympic Trials: Regan Smith Pulls Away to Top Field in 200 Butterfly; Alex Shackell Claims Second

The Olympic schedule for Regan Smith grew by another event at the United States Olympic Trials on Thursday night. On the strength of a strong final 50 meters, the Team USA veteran bested the field in the 200-meter butterfly at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, clocking 2:05.70 for a nearly one-second decision.

Coming off speedy exhibitions in the 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke (world record) earlier in the week, Smith was the heavy favorite to bolster her slate for the Olympics. And while she wasn’t as sharp as the semifinals, Smith came through on the closing length to prevail in 2:05.70.

In a little over two minutes, Smith registered a .99 victory over Carmel Swim Club’s Alex Shackell, who fended off Lindsay Looney for the second spot to next month’s Olympic Games in Paris. The 17-year-old Shackell touched the wall in 2:06.69, with Looney next in 2:07.03.

The victory in the 200 fly was the opener of a difficult double for Smith, as she later had the semifinals of the 200 backstroke. If Smith successfully navigates the final of the 200 backstroke on Friday night, as expected, her Olympic slate will feature three individual events, along with duty on both of the United States’ medley relays.

Covering the opening lap in 27.72, Smith took an early lead over Emma Sticklen (27.86), but Sticklen was in front at 59.40 at the midway point, with Smith at 59.45. At the 150-meter mark, Shackell was at the head of the field at 1:31.95, followed by Smith in 1:32.18. The difference came on the last lap, where Smith split 33.52, compared to the 34.74 of Shackell. Sticklen ended up fourth in 2:08.07.

Smith’s physical excellence in Indianapolis has been complemented by a newfound confidence in her ability. She’s back to the athlete who walks to the blocks believing in herself and trusting the work she has done in training, now under the direction of Bob Bowman. She’s also enjoying the sport again, and the shift from low times to hungry two-time Olympian has resonated with those closest to Smith.

“Given that we know all of the intimate details of what’s gone into the entire process, it’s extraordinarily gratifying,” said Paul Smith, Regan’s father. “Regan has worked her way through a lot of very difficult and challenging things. And I think she’s done it very bravely. But she’s also faced a hell of a lot of criticism from people, even though she’s made seven consecutive A teams for USA Swimming and won medals at every level at every competition. She still, I think, in large part was made to feel by certain people as an underachieving failure. So, it’s not only gratifying for her, but it is very gratifying for us to have her stepping into the position where she is now, and feeling so confident about who she is as a competitor and a person. She’s matured a great deal.”

The reigning Olympic silver medalist in the 200 butterfly, Smith will look for another podium finish in Paris. While she is expected to once again battle with defending champion Zhang Yufei of China, Canadian Summer McIntosh is also a leading contender for the Olympic crown. The three-woman showdown could produce one of the most-anticipated finals of the upcoming Games.

The sixth-place finisher in the 200 freestyle earlier in the meet, Shackell has been in waiting mode to learn her Olympic fate as a potential member of the American 800 freestyle relay. But with her outing in the 200 fly, Shackell is a lock to make the trip to the French capital, where her older brother, Aaron, will compete in the 400 freestyle.

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