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- Caeleb Dressel wins 50m freestyle at U.S. Olympic swim trials (newsbreak.com)
INDIANAPOLIS — Caeleb Dressel is making a strong comeback and showing signs of returning to his peak form as one of the premier swimmers globally, overcoming a period of uncertainty about his future in the sport.
At the U.S. Olympic trials on Friday night, Dressel achieved a significant milestone by winning the men’s 50-meter freestyle, marking his first individual victory leading up to the Paris Games. This win was a straightforward one for him.
Dressel, who was a standout performer at the Tokyo Olympics with five golds, had earlier finished third in the 100 freestyle. This result initially limited him to participating only in the relay for that distance.
However, Dressel has now secured the opportunity to defend his 50 free championship in Paris. He dominated the competition in this sprint event at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Dressel commented on his performance, stating, “It was a challenging one. I wasn’t filled with confidence until I stood on the block. In the 50m, you just have to dive in and give it your all.”
He clocked a time of 21.41 seconds in the 50 free. Although this was not as fast as his gold-winning performance in the previous Olympics (21.07 seconds), it was still a formidable time that would have clinched the gold in 2021.
Chris Guiliano also made headlines by securing his third individual race in Paris, finishing second with a time of 21.69 seconds.
Following his impressive haul in Tokyo, Dressel surprisingly took a break from competitive swimming during the 2022 world championships, citing the immense pressure and toll the sport had taken on him. He needed time off to reignite his passion for swimming.
His journey back has not been smooth, with Dressel admitting to experiencing several challenges during the trials, including moments of doubt and discussions with his wife and therapist.
About 35 minutes after triumphing in the 50 free, Dressel competed in the semifinals of the 100 butterfly, showing his prowess by posting the fastest time of 50.79 seconds, making him a top contender for the final.
Dressel’s performance in these trials could see him participating in up to five events in Paris, a slight reduction from his six-event lineup in Tokyo.
Reflecting on his journey, Dressel said he’s grown to love the sport again, cherishing the support and warmth from fans and participants alike, despite not setting personal bests.
Regan Smith is another athlete to watch, securing her spot in three individual Olympic events after her win in the 200 backstroke, despite running out of steam towards the end but still managing a commendable time.
Smith’s victory, along with Guiliano’s emergence as a notable talent heading to his first Olympics with three individual events, and Carson Foster’s accomplishment in adding a win in the 200 individual medley to his resume, highlights the trials’ competitive spirit.
Shaine Casas, another athlete to celebrate, achieved his dream of becoming an Olympian after a strong performance in the 200 IM.
Kate Douglass also shined in the women’s 200 individual medley, setting the stage for an eagerly awaited final race, marking a successful meet for her thus far.
These athletes’ performances at the trials exemplify the intense dedication and resilience required at this level of competitive swimming, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting Olympiad in Paris.
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- Caeleb Dressel wins 50m freestyle at U.S. Olympic swim trials (newsbreak.com)