2019 ATLANTA CLASSIC
- May 17th-19th, 2019
- Georgia Tech McAuley Aquatic Center, Atlanta, Georgia
- LCM (50m pool)
- Meet Information
- Psych Sheets
- Live Results
Caeleb Dressel has obliterated his lifetime best in the 200 fly in his win at the Atlanta Classic. Swimming a time of 1:56.29, Dressel breaks two minutes for the first time ever, a massive improvement from his old best, a 2:00.69 from prelims. He broke Joseph Schooling’s meet record of 1:57.37.
SPLITS
25.81 – 56.34 – (30.53) – 1:27.43 – (31.09) – 1:56.29 (28.86)
Dressel has swum his 200 freestyle similarly, with a surge over the last 50 of the race. Coming back in 28.86 is otherworldly, though. For reference, Michael Phelps’ final 50 in his World Record 1:51.51 swim was a 29.58, though of course, he was out much faster (52.88 over the first 100 and 29.05 on the third 50).
According to USA Swimming, this was Dressel’s fifth time racing this event in long course. Today was the first time he swam it since he went 2:18.33 at a Bolles time trial meet in 2012 at age 15, and his best time in yards is a 1:47.63 from a Florida dual meet in January of 2018.
Dressel is now 21st in U.S. history in the event. It’s also the 15th-ranked swim on the world rankings for this season.
A world-class sprinter, Dressel has never truly focused on a 200 in long course. He’s been swimming the 200 free and 200 IM in the gear-up to this summer, but the 200 fly is a very new race for him in any format. Looking ahead to next year, the 200 fly would conflict with some of Dressel’s expected events at the Olympic Trials. He’d have the 200 fly semifinals and the 200 free final on the same day if he were to make those, and the 200 fly final is two events after the 100 free semifinals on the next day.
Dressel is still three seconds or so away from being an international medal threat in the event, and it will probably take at least a 1:54 to make the U.S. top two at OTs. A 1:56 low in an off-event 200 fly for a sprinter bodes very well for this summer, though.
finishing the 200 fly in 28.8 holy **** this summer will be interesting
Dressel’s 200m fly from tonight if y’all are interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6cmJSB5YTk
INSANE. Dean is bowing.
I feel like right now he’s having fun with his events and training. I think next year we’ll see him tighten up around the 50/100/200 free and 100 fly for the Olympics.
Very impressive from Dressel, this man is truly a gift to the sport. Fantastic and multi talented. Do you think he will swim these “off events” at trials or stick to his core?? (Also last summer must have had a lasting impact, I have a hunch this summer coming up will be a very different story then 2018)
I really doubt he’s actually considering 200 fly and 100 breast at trials. 200 free he is definitely going for a spot either individually or relay. The breast and 200 fly though, I think are stroke training for 200IM which I’m fairly certain he will pursue.
I didn’t give thought to the 200 IM. That seems like a possibility for sure. But I agree with the likes of Zarting, Miller, Finnerty and others to dominate the 100 breast and 200 fly, swimming it at trials would be odd. I will predict 200IM, 50/100/200 free and 100 fly.
Remember the five relays he’ll want to be a part of, and his individuals events are swimming’s sexy events, to win the frees especially requires the perfect swim. I’d rather USA win the five relays with Caeleb leading the way then him trying to do too much. Phelps faced with the 5 relays may not have swam all 5 individuals. In fact I’m certain he wouldn’t, and still would’ve gotten 8-9 golds and been the greatest
4 relays*
No mixed free relay at the Olympics yet, just the mixed medley.
My bad, thanks. It makes me even more in awe of Phelps and how he had to choose his events. The amazing 200 back in 2007 and the fact he swam the 400 free(and didn’t final) in 2005 shows he could’ve done it all, just not all at once. If “all” Caeleb does is repeats his 2017 results in 2020 and beyond with the added relay and perhaps a few records, I’ll be happy. No need for extra individuals, at least in Olympic years
Also, leading off the 4×100 free in Beijing, he was .01 off the then-world record. It’s stupid the sheer number of individuals that guy could have seriously contended for gold in.
What about world champs this coming summer?? Is there a possibility of him being picked for those relays or was the squad solidified at Nat’s last summer??
Coaches have had a lot of discretion at the meet for who they choose to race, historically. He’s already in 4 of the 5 relays, probably, if he wants them. The 800? I’m going out on a limb and saying they don’t put him on it this summer, not if he’s on the other 4 (maybe if he chooses to skipped the mixed races), but they could in theory do so.
Respectfully disagree, Braden. Between Richmond and now, He’s showing his massive fitness. His 2 free is going to be on point this summer. He’s ready to go 1:45. Look for him on the 4×200 swimming leadoff
The coaches technically could pick whoever as long as the relay only dudes get to swim, like Phelps did on the 4×100 free
Nearly 5 seconds faster than shields on that last 50…let that sink in. From a “sprinter”…
Shields had surgery a year or so ago and has been recovering from that since. And Dressel is without a doubt the greatest US male swimmer since Phelps
Lochte’s still swimming, so I’d put his couple handfuls of Olympic medals and his WR in there.
I wouldn’t Bash Sheilds so much, he’s also a fantastic swimmer and is overcome a lot of adversity
Plus he’s actually been in Olympic finals in both fly events, unlike say, his highness.
I don’t get these types of comments. Shields swims the race diefferently, but so what? Being inconsistent in splitting isn’t something that is necessarily bad. If it is, then why don’t you point out the fact that there was a 2+ second difference between Dressel’s third and fourth 50s. Again, I don’t much care for analyzing splits of someone who has their own race strategy which they have tailored to best utilize their respective strengths. If you do, however, feel it necessary to criticize world class athletes based on those decisions, at least be consistent.
Not in my wildest dreams could I have imagined this. Thanks Dressel, people like you make this sport even more interesting that it already is.
People are acting like this swim came out of nowhere…Dressel is as talented as Phelps and Lochte and we know he can swim 200s. I am pleased with the swim but not surprised.
Ol’ Longhorn out there somewhere like
The writings on the wall, that 200 free showed where he was endurance wise, wait till that easy speed gets easier come taper time and the back half fills in, this summer will be special. Right on Caeleb
15th in the world. Top 25 all-time in Europe. The biggest non-event of the weekend. King a #1 swim. Ledecky a #2 swim. Smith and Flickinger #3 swims. Miller a #8 swim. It’s Schooling-level hype all over again.
Keep telling into the abyss mate.