The world of competitive swimming thrives on rivalries that push athletes to their limits, and few are as captivating as the ongoing duel between American star Regan Smith and Australia’s Kaylee McKeown. In a raw and revealing interview on The GMM Podcast, the 23-year-old Smith, an eight-time Olympic medalist, opened up about the mental toll of competing against McKeown, admitting she “didn’t have the mental fortitude” to handle the Australian’s dominance. Despite years of being outpaced, Smith’s pride in their fierce competition and its impact on the sport shines through, offering a glimpse into the psyche of an elite athlete navigating one of swimming’s greatest rivalries.

Smith’s journey in the backstroke began with promise. In 2019, at just 17, she shattered the 200-meter backstroke world record, a feat that seemed to herald an era of American dominance. “I thought it would be my time to lead,” Smith reflected. But McKeown, a generational talent, had other plans. The Australian claimed gold in both the 100-meter and 200-meter backstroke at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, leaving Smith with silver and bronze. The pattern continued through major meets, including Paris 2024 and the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, where McKeown’s 200-meter backstroke time of 2:03.14 edged out Smith’s 2:03.87 in a thrilling final. Each defeat chipped away at Smith’s confidence, exposing the mental fragility beneath her physical prowess.

“I was not prepared mentally,” Smith admitted. “I could have been prepared physically, but I just completely fell off the horse for a couple of years there because I couldn’t handle it.” Her candor lays bare the psychological demands of elite competition, where the difference between first and second can be a fraction of a second but feel like a chasm. McKeown’s relentless consistency—her ability to deliver “obscene” times year after year, as Smith put it—left the American questioning herself. “I got my butt kicked for many years,” she said bluntly, acknowledging the challenge of facing an opponent who has redefined the backstroke.

Yet, Smith’s perspective is not one of defeat but of respect and resilience. Despite trailing McKeown, she takes pride in their rivalry’s role in elevating swimming. “I’m super glad people watch as closely as they do,” she said. “It’s super good for the sport.” The duo’s battles have produced some of the fastest times in history, with their 2025 World Championships showdown drawing comparisons to legendary rivalries like Phelps-Lochte. Smith’s 2:03.87 in Singapore, though a silver-medal performance, was a personal best and the third-fastest 200-meter backstroke ever, underscoring the extraordinary level at which both women compete. “We’re head and shoulders above everyone else,” Smith noted, highlighting the gap between them and the rest of the field.

McKeown’s dominance is undeniable. Her 2025 season included a world record in the 100-meter backstroke (56.91 seconds) and a sweep of backstroke events at every major meet since Tokyo. But Smith’s persistence has kept her in the conversation. Her silver in the 200-meter backstroke at Paris 2024 (2:04.12) and bronze in the 100-meter event showed she’s closing the gap, even if marginally. “Any other year, if I hadn’t overlapped with Kaylee, I would have had so much dominance,” Smith mused, a statement that reflects both humility and self-awareness. She recognizes McKeown’s brilliance while acknowledging her own remarkable talent, which includes five medals at the 2025 Worlds, three of them individual.

The rivalry has sparked widespread discussion on platforms like X, where fans marvel at the intensity of their races. “Regan and Kaylee are pushing each other to new heights,” one user posted. “This is what makes swimming unmissable.” Others praised Smith’s vulnerability, with a fan writing, “Admitting the mental struggle takes guts. She’s a champion for that.” As the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics loom, their duel promises to remain a centerpiece of the sport. Smith’s journey from a record-breaking teenager to a battle-hardened veteran reveals the cost of chasing greatness. Her ability to embrace the challenge, even after years of setbacks, speaks to a resilience that may yet see her reclaim the top spot—or at least push McKeown to new limits.