Caeleb Dressel, the reigning Olympic Gold Medallist has hit the waters again after a long time. While the 26-year-old is back in action, his top speed isn’t. In fact, this was the slowest performance by the swimming ace in a season. While many swimmers broke past the 48-second barrier at the Men’s 100 Freestyle Nationals, Dressel finished in the 29th position with a total time of 49.42 seconds. 

The seven-time Olympic champion has clearly fared way better against the water during his career. Winning title after title every year, the world champ has a personal best of racing through the course in just 46.96 seconds.

The Current Competition and the Hiatus

Finishing the race first, Ryan Held registered a total time of 47.63 seconds, which is just 67 milliseconds away from Dressel’s personal best. The event also saw three other swimmers who crossed the 48-second limit apart from Held. The feat was achieved by Jack Alexy (47.75 seconds), Destin Lasco (47.87 seconds), and Matt King (47.93 seconds). 

Caeleb Dressel returned for a competitive racing event after a year-long hiatus last month in May at the McAuley Aquatic Center for the Atlanta Classic event. He finished the race in second place while registering a time of 52.41 seconds. Dressel has improved by three seconds, even after taking a break for medical reasons.

The Reaction of Fans

Dressel has amassed a group of loyal fans throughout his career, which started to grow when he won a record total of seven gold medals at the 2017 World Aquatics Championship. While his fans are always rooting for his success, a lot of them voiced their opinion and said that he should have skipped this event and should have aimed straight for the Nationals which will take place at the end of the summer. Fans respected Simone Manuel’s decision to not compete and prepare for what lies ahead.

ALSO READ – Simone Manuel decides not to enter U.S. Swimming Championships, focus on 2024

If the current suit follows, then this may be an unfortunate year for Dressel, as he may not meet the qualifying criteria to represent the USA in the coming international events, especially the Paris Olympics 2024. Dressel has been one of the best swimmers produced by the swimming powerhouse USA, and has represented his country in every international event since 2015. Do you think Dressel would be able to make it to the Pools of Paris next year? Dressel will be taking part in further races including the men’s 50 fly, 100 fly, and 50 free, as his fans will be cheering him on and praying for him to regain his apex form.

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