Regan Smith, the 22-year-old American swimmer, is gearing up for her second Summer Olympics with a renewed mindset aimed at securing her first Olympic gold medal. Following her success at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Indianapolis last month, where she clinched medals in three individual events and broke the world record in the women’s 100-meter backstroke, Smith is optimistic about her chances in Paris.
In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Smith candidly shared her mental health journey, highlighting the pivotal role a sports psychologist played in elevating her performance. Previously hesitant to seek help due to the stigma surrounding mental health in sports, Smith eventually embraced the idea and connected with sports psychologist Emily Klueh in October.
Describing Klueh as instrumental in taking her swimming to the next level, Smith praised her factual and logical approach to the sport. Klueh’s mantra of “looking at the facts of the situation” resonated with Smith, helping her simplify her approach and overcome performance anxiety and nerves that had previously hindered her.
Apart from working with a sports psychologist, Smith also credited her emotional support animal, a cat named Roo, with providing comfort and stability during a challenging period in her training. Adopted from an animal shelter in Arizona, Roo became a source of solace for Smith, offering unwavering support and companionship during tough times.
In partnership with pet nutrition brand Nulo, Smith emphasized the importance of the bond between athletes and their pets, highlighting how animals like Roo can play a crucial role in alleviating stress and boosting overall well-being. As part of the Fuel Incredible campaign, Nulo has teamed up with eight athletes, including Smith, Simone Biles, and Caeleb Dressel, to showcase the positive impact of pets on athletes’ journeys to success.
Smith’s story serves as a reminder of the significance of mental health support in sports and the value of finding effective coping mechanisms, whether through professional guidance or emotional companionship. As she prepares to represent the United States at the Olympics, Smith’s newfound mindset and unwavering determination position her as a strong contender for gold in her respective events. Follow Fox News Digital for more updates on Smith’s journey and other sports coverage.