At It Again, Caeleb Dressel Breaks 50 Free American Record In 21.29

2017 FINA WORLD SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Caeleb Dressel continues his incredible run at these World Championships.

In his 3rd swim of the day, after a 21.6 50 free and 50.0 100 fly in the prelims, Dressel threw down a new American record of 21.29 to qualify 1st out of the splash ‘n dash semis.

Dressel breaks Nathan Adrian‘s 2015 record of 21.37, and lowers his own PB by over two tenths. He went 21.53 at 2015 U.S. Nationals and World Trials in June.

The 20-year-old Florida Gator makes his way into the top ten all-time performers list, tying Croatian Duje Draganja for 9th all-time. He also passes Ben Proud for the 2nd fastest-ever textile performer, trailing only Florent Manaudou‘s 21.19.

This marks Dressel’s fourth individual American record of the meet, as he did it twice in the 100 free and added another in the 50 fly, plus he was on the world record breaking mixed medley relay. He’ll be back in the water soon, contesting the 100 fly semis.

Adrian missed the final in 10th, while Proud qualified in a tie for 3rd at 21.60 with Bruno FratusVlad Morozov sits 2nd at 21.45.

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Eouai
6 years ago

As dominating as Dressel was – if you watch the video, Morozov was actually slightly faster through the water from 15m to about 40m. But not enough to make up for Dressel’s otherworldly start, plus his finish.

jimswim
6 years ago

FINA just declared Dressel’s start a PED! They are thinking of DQ’ing him tomorrow if he is more than 1ft ahead on the breakout.

Swim/Swam/Swum
Reply to  jimswim
6 years ago

PET (Performace Enhancing Technique), just like the lochte turn.

straightarm
6 years ago

Dressel seemingly unstoppable.
Vlad right on his PB, normally he cuts a bit of time during the rounds but 21.4 should be good enough to podium if he can reproduce it(easier said than done). Fratus and Proud looking dangerous too based on their meet form.

Phil
6 years ago

Its the Mizuno suit

MTK
Reply to  Phil
6 years ago

It’s the combo of the Mizuno suit and the amazing start/underwater/breakout.

DDias
6 years ago

In Manaudou textile best(21.19), Florent did 5.05 in the first 15m.I bet Dressel is around 4.9s.I would not be surprised with 21.0 tomorrow.

Pvdh
Reply to  DDias
6 years ago

Dressel looked like he could have atleast matched Flo if he didn’t ease into the wall. Good start plus maintained speed would give us sub 21 but not necessary from Dressel to win

Bobshorse
6 years ago

Remember when the Total Immersion author said that it would take a swimmer significantly taller than Alexander Popov and just as efficient to break 21.67? Now we have guys no taller than Popov beating that time in legal suits.

Bobshorse
Reply to  Bobshorse
6 years ago

*21.64

NONA
Reply to  Bobshorse
6 years ago

Lol Terry Laughlin said a lot of things

Swim
6 years ago

Oh can I get an AMEN!?

luigi
6 years ago

A promise kept. A big leap ahead from last year. Echoes of Matt Biondi’s 1985, the year after his Olympic debut. Swimmer of the meet if he keeps this pace.

Rafael
Reply to  luigi
6 years ago

Considering Peaty did not break the 100 WR too.. Dressel is safe now..

Pvdh
Reply to  Rafael
6 years ago

Biggest competition was from Sjostrom but she’s just gone out the window too.

Rafael
Reply to  Pvdh
6 years ago

I don´t know how they count that.. they sum podium and WR.. does not know how many points each is worth..and they do not count relays.. So I dont know if Sarah is out
Dressell will have 3 individual podiums, Sarah will have 4
Dressel can be 3 golds, maybe a WR on 100 fly..
Sarah 3 Golds 1 Silver + 1 WR so Sarah would win

Rafael
Reply to  Rafael
6 years ago

Ledecky may outscore Dressel with 3 golds + 1 silver if Dressel does not get any WR

Swimmer?
Reply to  Rafael
6 years ago

I think a 47.1 100 free, 21.1 50 free and sub 50 100 fly will surpass Ledecky

E Gamble
Reply to  Rafael
6 years ago

Why are you comparing Caeleb to Sarah? Aren’t men and women separate? Sarah would win MVP for women and Caeleb for men.

MTK
Reply to  E Gamble
6 years ago

This is my understanding too.

About James Sutherland

James Sutherland

James swam five years at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario, specializing in the 200 free, back and IM. He finished up his collegiate swimming career in 2018, graduating with a bachelor's degree in economics. In 2019 he completed his graduate degree in sports journalism. Prior to going to Laurentian, James swam …

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