Here’s a bold statement: training at altitude isn’t just tough—it’s downright excruciating. But for 2x Olympian Regan Smith, it’s a sacrifice she’s willing to make. In a recent interview, Smith revealed that her coach, Bob Bowman, is treating this year as a giant training year, and the results are already starting to show. But here’s where it gets controversial: is pushing athletes to their limits at altitude camps the key to unlocking peak performance, or is it a risky gamble? Let’s dive in.
Looking ahead to the 2025 U.S. Open, scheduled for December 3-6 in Austin, Texas, swimmers like Smith are leaving no stone unturned in their preparation. The event, held at the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center, will feature prelims at 10 a.m. EST and finals at 7 p.m. EST (with Day 1 finals starting at 5 p.m. EST). Swimmers will compete in a 50-meter long course pool (LCM), and fans can follow along via Meet Central (https://www.usaswimming.org/event/2025/12/03/default-calendar/toyota-us-open), Psych Sheets (https://swimswam.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/25tuso-psych-sheet.pdf), and Live Results (https://www.omegatiming.com/2025/2025-toyota-u-s-open-championships-live-results).
At last year’s U.S. Open, Smith dominated, winning the 100 and 200 backstroke while securing silver in the 50 back and both the 100 and 200 butterfly. Her performance was a testament to the grueling work she put in during her November altitude training camp in Colorado Springs with Bowman’s pro group. And this is the part most people miss: while altitude training is notoriously challenging due to reduced oxygen levels, Smith believes it’s paying off, particularly in her more aerobic-focused events. But is this approach sustainable, or are athletes risking burnout? Weigh in below.
For beginners, altitude training works by forcing the body to adapt to lower oxygen levels, which can improve endurance—but it’s not for the faint of heart. Smith’s honesty about the camp’s difficulty highlights the mental and physical toll it takes. Yet, her results suggest it’s a strategy worth considering for elite athletes. Here’s a thought-provoking question: If altitude training is so effective, why isn’t every swimmer doing it? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Written by Coleman Hodges (https://swimswam.com/bio/coleman-hodges/), whose swimming journey began at age 1, though he admits he has no memory of it. A Missouri native, Coleman joined the Columbia Swim Club at 9 and is still remembered for his iconic dragon swim trunks. His passion for the sport has since evolved into a career covering the stories of athletes like Smith. Learn more about Coleman’s journey here: (https://swimswam.com/bio/coleman-hodges/).
