U.S. Swimmer Regan Smith’s Candid Response to Michael Phelps’ Disappointment

After expressing disappointment in the United States swim team for their performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Michael Phelps received a response from American swimmer Regan Smith.

Phelps is the most decorated athlete in Olympic Games history. He competed for five different Olympic swim teams and won a total of 28 medals, 23 of which were gold. His 23 gold medals are 14 more than the athlete with the second most of all time.

In Paris, the US swim team topped the world medal count for gold and overall medals. However, they secured the fewest gold medals for the country at the Olympics since 1988, only achieving eight. Seven out of the eight gold medals in the pool were won by women, three of which were won in relays.

As a result, Phelps stated, "For me, as a whole, I was pretty disappointed to see the U.S. swimming results. Obviously, there were a few standout swims, and those you have to recognize."

Smith, a two-time Olympian and two-time gold medalist in Paris, responded:

"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."

As Phelps mentioned, although the team's performance wasn't up to par, it's important to note that several swimmers had outstanding individual performances at the games. These swimmers include Torri Huske, Regan Smith, Kate Douglass, Katie Ledecky, Gretchen Walsh, and Bobby Fink.

Regan Smith, a specialist in backstroke and butterfly, now has a total of eight Olympic medals to her name: two gold, five silver, and one bronze.

While the L.A. 2028 games are four years away, Smith and her teammates are confident that their experience can help them achieve better results than the ones in Paris.

Related: Noah Lyles’ Blunt Words After Rai Benjamin Speaks Up on Olympic Backlash