(Supplied/Ian MacNicol)

By Ashley Lavallee-Koenig, Josh Hall

58.85 TIME IN 100 METRE BUTTERFLY

Red Deer’s Rebecca Smith reflects on Paris Olympics, her final games

Aug 14, 2024 | 12:25 PM

The 2024 Olympic Games have come to a close, and Red Deer swimmer Rebecca Smith is back home after placing 24th in the 100 metre butterfly race.

Smith finished her heat with a time of 58.85 on day one of the event, just 0.95 seconds off from qualifying for semi-finals.

“I would have liked to have done better. It definitely wasn’t my best time that I put up, but having perspective, that was my first individual event at an Olympic Games. I was still proud of what I did and how I was able to step up and do that,” Smith reflected.

As the fifth fastest qualifier for the event, there was a possibility of Smith competing in the 4×100 metre freestyle relay as well, which can involve up to six swimmers, but the coach opted to only run the top four swimmers.

“For sure I was disappointed not to be a part of that, but sometimes coaches have to make those decisions and I was happy to cheer on the team,” shared Smith.

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When swimming wrapped up, she remained in Paris to watch the rest of the games play out.

“I was able to see the 4×100 relay for track, the men’s team that won gold,” she said, “I was able to see that with my swim team, and to be able to be a part of that Canadian team and cheer other teammates on from our country was so special.”

This was the 24-year-old’s second Olympic Games; In 2021 she secured a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics.

“I think going into these games I had a different mindset of going in and really enjoying this experience,” she said. “Obviously I had goals and I wanted to achieve those goals, but over everything, I think I just really wanted to enjoy it because I knew this would be my last games. I just wanted to take everything in, enjoy it with my teammates and make the most of it.”

Since Tokyo, she has been balancing Olympics training and post-secondary education and graduated from the University of Calgary with a bachelor’s in nursing in December 2023. She will soon be working as a registered nurse in the Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Calgary.

“That’s where I finished my final semester of my nursing program and I fell in love with it,” Smith shared, adding that the nurses she’s met have been very supportive of her Olympic efforts and watched the games when they could during night shifts.

Although she said she is “definitely” hanging up her Olympian hat, she may still compete in other swimming competitions as her love for the sport hasn’t wavered.

Smith’s parting from the Olympic team is more sweet than bitter, as she shared, “If someone were to tell me at 7-years-old, when I first started swimming, that I would be a two-time Olympian, a silver medalist and a registered nurse right now, I would have thought they were crazy. To see everything I’ve accomplished in this sport blows my mind. I think I’ve accomplished more than I’ve ever dreamed of and had so many experiences that I would never have thought that I’d have. I’m just so thankful for everything this sport has given me.”

For young swimmers or other athletes that have their sights set on an Olympic performance, Smith advised that they prioritize balance and make sure they really enjoy the sport they’re competing in.

“My coach always says a happy swimmer is a fast swimmer and it’s so true. Growing up, I didn’t just swim, I did so many other things.” She added, “Swimming is something I do, it’s not who I am… For sure it’s important to really focus on what you want to do and give it your all but having that balance in life will help you achieve those goals.”

Smith may continue in other competitions as early as this fall, but has no official plans.

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