Caeleb Dressel Talks Prerace Routines (Video)

At a press conference in Gainesville on Thursday, Florida Head Coach Gregg Troy and American Record holder Caeleb Dressel addressed the media about their training for the upcoming U.S. Olympic Trials. Dressel talks about the importance of finding a routine before races, which he’s learned from his coaches at Florida. Part of his routine includes saying a prayer to calm himself down, and looking for his family if they’re in the stands.

Dressel will swim the 50 and 100 freestyles at Olympic Trials next month, with the possibility of entering the 100 breast, 100 fly, and 200 free as well. Coach Troy says that’s a decision they most likely won’t be making until about 8-10 days out of the meet. Last summer, Dressel turned heads when he posted a 21.53 to win the 50 free at Nationals, making him the 3rd fastest swimmer in the event for the year.

This season, Dressel set the American Records in the 50 freestyle (18.23) and 100 freestyle (40.46) at the 2016 Men’s NCAA Championships. After appearing in the 2012 Olympic Trials at 15 years old, Dressel returns to Omaha with more experience and will look to make his first Olympic Team this summer.