We’re just a few weeks away from swimming becoming the world’s most important sport for a week during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. But, the storylines are already starting, and this one is truly zany.
American Regan Smith is probably the world’s best backstroke. The three-time Olympic medalist was competing alongside her country mates at USA Swimming Olympic Trials at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
On Wednesday, Regan Smith set a new world record in the Women’s 100M Backstroke, blazing the field. Take a look.
REGAN SMITH HAS DONE IT! 😱
A NEW 100m backstroke world record at #SwimTrials24. pic.twitter.com/cPSSPWX35s
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) June 19, 2024
That’s a fantastic swim, and she should be thrilled with her performance that not only makes her the world’s all-time fastest in the event but also should make her very confident going into to Paris. Her time of 57.13 edged out the world record of Australian star Kaylee McKeown’s time of 57.33
But, some internet cops think that she was too excited, because she, *gasp*, swore after she set a new world record.
There’s a group of swim coaches online trying to decide whether or not Regan Smith should have been disqualified for saying a “bad word” after breaking the WORLD RECORD in the 100 backstroke.
The conversation is MOSTLY leaning towards “yes” for a DQ.
What. Are. We. Doing. pic.twitter.com/atJTYf26J5
— Kyle Sockwell (@kylesockwell) June 23, 2024
There’s no way people should be upset about an adult saying a four-letter word, but they are. I would like to know if these people have a competitive bone in their body, but I’m guessing no.
And, arguably the most famous swimming race of all-time, the Men’s 4×100 Freestyle Relay, had Jason Lezak’s teammates, including Michael Phelps, cheering for him as he finished off an incredible comeback that won the USA the gold and helped Phelps win eight golds in one Olympic Games, a record.
@kylesockwell they ever say anything about this? Nope. pic.twitter.com/nAiQCXN6JJ
— Cam (@notseriousknown) June 23, 2024
Anyways, Regan Smith did nothing wrong here, and people are acting ridiculous. I hope she wins the gold in Paris and swears even louder.
The 2024 Summer Olympics get underway with Opening Ceremonies on July 26.