2016 Olympic gold medalist and three-time American Record holder, Clark Smith has signed with Arluck Promotions, according to Arluck’s Facebook page.
On a team loaded with stars, Smith helped to lead the University of Texas Longhorns to the 2017 NCAA Championship team title with a meet for the record books. Smith won the 500 and 1650 freestyles, breaking the American Record in each event.
“Each record was previously held by Arluck Promotions athletes,” Arluck explained. “Peter Vanderkaay and Connor Jaeger.”
Vanderkaay’s record, established 2006, was one of the longest standing in the books. In the 1650, Smith won a tight race where three swimmers all went under the existing American Record. Smith also holds the American Record in the 1,000 free. Smith’s range in long course is impressive. Expect him to be a factor in the 200, 400 and 1,500 meter free on the run-up to Tokyo 2020.
Smith’s signing is of note because in recent years Arluck Promotions has limited the number of athletes they represent for their full range of sponsorships. Arluck has worked with big names in the sport including Gary Hall Jr, Matt Grevers, Connor Jaeger, Cesar Cielo, Ous Mellouli and many others for their endemic swimming deals and/or their full range of sponsorships in multiple categories. Arluck is also the founder of the Fitter and Faster Swim Tour which provides several hundred paid clinic appearances annually to Olympians and Olympic hopefuls. He is also the co-founder of The Race Club with Gary Hall, Jr.
Smith launches his professional career with a lot of steam. His story is all about overcoming adversity, which he has done more than a few times. Smith bounced back to win the 1650 free at the 2017 NCAA Championships despite having a pulled groin from his previous race, and few will forget his 2016 performance in the 1650, the surprising 21st place. Smith was the odds-on favorite after winning the 500 free at the 2015 NCAAs. Less than three months later Smith bounced back to make the 2016 U.S. Olympic Teaming in the 4×200 freestyle relay.
Smith stands 6’ 9” and has fast swimming in his bloodline. Both of his parents, Tori and John, swam for the University of Texas, and his mom Tori competed at the 1984 Olympics for Team USA.
See David Arluck’s full post below:
I’m super excited about this.
David Arluck, CEO/founder of Arluck Promotions
2016 Olympic gold medalist Clark Smith will be represented by Arluck Promotions as he prepares for Tokyo 2020. Clark was a huge asset for the University of Texas a few weeks back at the NCAA Championships where he won the 500 and 1650 freestyles – breaking the American Record in both.
Each record was previously held by clients of ours: Peter Vanderkaay and Connor Jaeger respectively. Pete’s 500 free record was one of the longest standing in the books- having not been touched since 2006. In the 1650, Clark got his hand on the wall first in a race where three swimmers all went under the existing American Record. He also holds the AR in the 1,000 free.
Clark’s range in long course is huge. He will be a factor in the 200, 400 and 1,500 free come Tokyo 2020. His fly is also on point.
Clark Smith is going to be a big contributor to Team USA over the next several years… and make sponsors real happy. I’m proud that we are on his team.