Caeleb Dressel catches up with swimswam contributor Garrrett McCaffrey right after his new 15-16 National Age Group record in the 200 Free, 1:48.64. He discusses his mindset going into the B final and how he’s managed to get faster on this double taper.
More on the swim as reported by Tony Gennaro:
The Bolles Schools’ Caeleb Dressel has had a very fast season. He broke several 15-16 national age group records at the World Championship Trials in June in Indianapolis, setting the 200 freestyle record at 1:49.83.
Today, Dressel broke his national age group record in Irvine, California at the Junior National Championships. He won the B-final of the men’s 200 freestyle in a crushing his previous time with a 1:48.64. His time from finals would have won the event, but he swam a 1:51.69 in the morning prelim session, narrowly missing the championship final.
Dressel already had the top spot on USA Swimming’s Junior World Championship Selection List. Previously, he tied with Dynamo Swim Club’s Gunnar Bentz. Bentz, who also swam a 1:49.83 at the World Championship Trials in June. Today, Dressel moved ahead to claim the number one spot on the list, but Bentz was also able to improve his time to 1:49.57.
Because Dressel was not in the championship final heat, Gunnar Bentz is the new Junior National Champion in the men’s 200 freestyle. Bentz was followed by Blake Pieroni of Duneland Swim Club and Alexander Katz of the Sarasota YMCA Sharks.
The future of USA Swimming is in good hands. Super impressed with where this kid’s head and heart are. And big props to Garrett for another first class interview that reveals depth that is often overlooked.
“I might time trial it tonight, to try and get under 48.” 3:08 in the video.
Some lofty goals he has for himself. I think he means a 48, or under 49. Not under 48. Though it would be incredible.
49.33 for him in the time trial. He must start to be a little tired after all his races. Still a great time. First time I’m looking for a time trial result. 🙂
Outstanding swims and interview! So proud to know him and watch him over the years…… Quite a talented family ….this interview is really revealing in terms of the great foundation/support his family has given him. I’ve watched him go from a little kid to an impressive swimmer and interviewee…..congrats to Caleb, his family, coaches & our Bolles family!
One college will be so lucky to have him. Sounds like he enjoys California. Roll on you Bear?
Andrew had great prelim swims… just .3 off Phelps 200 i.m. record and .1 off his own 50 free record… Will see what he has in the tank!
great kid, great family and unlimited potential! imagine if the whole bolles team was there……caeleb, santo, jojo schooling and ryan murphy! all 18 and under! the relay records would never, never be touched!!!
Great interview, as usual with Garrett.
Caeleb is fast in the water, speaks very well and has a good head of star.
If I have well understood, he says he doesn’t swim his best when he swims against Condorelli. So, I think he will go really fast in the 50 free prelims tonight to make certain his qualification to the world junior championships in this race. He must swim faster than 22.73.
And if I have also well understood, he says he has a time trial in the 100 free tonight and he believes he has a 48 in the tank. Wow! First time I will follow the result of a time trial! 🙂
22.59
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Do you think a 22.39 will make the Junior team? 😉
His stroke is nice and long and controlled when he is out by himself… becomes a bit more choppy when someone is pressing him (like Condorelli).
As expected, he was as fast as possible in the prelims. 22.39 is now the best US junior time. Condorelli is now third. He must swim faster than 22.71 to qualify.
I think in two years Dressel will be ready to represent Team USA in world champs. What’s unfortunate is the qualifying meet for that is the year before. I hope he is able to make it!
Next year seems a little too early for him with Adrian and Feigen under 48. But we never know. Too bad US swimmers qualify next summer for the 2015 world championships.
What about relay alternate?
will it be also decided next year?
Each 4 years since 2006 they qualify the swimmers one year before the world championships. Why? I don’t know. I’m still waiting for a good reason.
And for the relays I think you must be in the team so you must qualify.
So what happened this year?
I didn’t know that.
Does the same meeting act as a qualification meet for the 2014 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships and the 2015 World Aquatics Championships?
If I remember well last time, the US nationals qualified 3 swimmers per event for the Pan Pacs. And the 2 swimmers who had the 2 fastest times in each event after these 2 meets have qualified for Shanghai. I’m not sure of what I say but perhaps Braden will help us.
I suspect that after Missy’s progress from 2010 to 2011, they’re having another look at that selection policy.
Every four years, at nationals the US selects the Pan Pac team. The top two in every event are guaranteed selection along with the top four in the 100 and 200 free. I don’t know the cap on the team but usually the top 3 end up going with the one maybe two fourth place finishers also end up on the team. The third and fourth place people are usually selected based FINA points. I’m pretty sure that 5th and 6th place finishers make the worlds squad for the relay, but not the Pan Pacs team. To make Worlds though you have to have the top 2 times in the individual events or top 6 in relay events. These times… Read more »
I’m still waiting for a good reason. 🙂