However, the 22-year-old former swimmer from Stanford may best be described as an American patriot.
Smith’s outstanding performance in the women’s 100- and 200-meter backstroke as well as the 200-meter fly in the recent U.S. Olympic Swimming Team Trials in Indianapolis earned her a spot in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. In the 100 meters, she broke the world record.
Prior to her second Summer Olympics debut, Smith told News that she was initially given the chance to represent the United States at the age of fifteen.
She remarked, “It almost moved me to tears.”
I was swimming for the entire country behind me, who had my back and wanted me to succeed, and I was coming up behind the blocks with such a great sense of pride.”
Smith just mentioned her pride in her account of this event; she made no mention of medals or records.
Swimming for something so much greater than oneself was just amazing. And I believe that relieved some of my own pressure as well, as all I wanted to do was accomplish this in order to make my country proud. That is all there is to it.”
