With an extra year until the next Summer Olympic Games comes an extra year of hype, excitement, and build-up for what races may come to pass when Tokyo finally rolls around July 2021.
We reported last month how our once speculative idea of a 100m fly battle between American Caeleb Dressel and Aussie Kyle Chalmers may actually come to pass, as the latter is adding his rapidly-improving event to his Olympic Trials lineup.
“The butterfly was my event growing up, it’s sort of just faded away as I got better at freestyle. I’m working hard at it now and I want to be able to do it on the big stage,” is what 100m freestyle Olympic champion Chalmers said mid-April about his new goal. You can read more about this endeavor here.
But getting to the point where Chalmers can start rivaling his best times is only now starting to take shape. South Australia is just now allowing athletes to get back to organized training, with the 21-year-old just now able to train in small groups. He’s pairing ‘big pool’ time with training in his shipping container pool situated in his own backyard. You can read more about that set-up here.
Of his home-based pool, Chalmers told The Olympic Channel, “Essentially it’s just a six meter by two and a half meter wide swimming pool. It’s above ground and it’s got a big jet that I swim against.
“I don’t want to lose my feel for the water and this was the best option. The pool will be in my backyard until the Olympic Games in 2021, so I’m very, very fortunate to have that opportunity as well.”
Going back to Dressel, Chalmers points to the American sprinter’s success as extra motivation for himself heading into the next year.
“It motivates me massively, but I also see Caleb as such a good friend of mine now. Even through this period we’ve spoken, and he even invited me over to train with him because he’s been able to train right through. There’s not one thing he does that you can possibly dislike.
“His skills are unbelievable. He’s got the better start, and probably the best turns the world’s ever seen. Whereas my skills aren’t overly great. We swim it differently. But you know, that last five meters is where the dog fight is, and that’s that’s the part of the race I love. I just want to get my hand on the wall first.”
Catch more of Chalmer’s thoughts in the interview here.
At last year’s worlds, Kyle raised up Caeleb’s arm after their 100 free battle. He was genuinely happy for him. Loved that scene. Total class. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tudN0tDzlE
If there was any justice for these classy guys they would tie next year the Olympics in a new WR!
Makes me wonder if KC is still planning to retire after Tokyo??
The respect between the two men is nice to see. A lesson to other sportspeople; A rivalry doesn’t need animosity or bravado to be exciting.
“Girls only want guys with cool skills“ -Napoleon dynamite
Best buds. Soon to be stall mates.
I have to hand it to you. It has been a few weeks since the last stall comment, but you worked one in.
Had one the other day, you just missed it.
I can’t help but upvote stall comments
OOTL here, what’s the deal with stalls?
Years ago, I think when dressel was probably 17, a ridiculous rumor began. I’m sure somebody has the full backstory, but for a solid year every single dressel article had several comments about his habit of changing in bathroom stalls. FWIW nobody has officially debunked the rumor – I personally change in the stall anytime I have any sort of presentation in the hopes it will enhance my performance.
He was seen crawling out from under the stall before his semifinal heat at Worlds when he broke the 100 fly WR.
What strikes me the most is that he loves Australian football more than swimming. Yet he won an Olympic gold in the latter.
Not that unusual, most Australians have grown up following a preferred spectator sport. Especially the males (AFL or NRL pending on location).
This is so cool to see. Rivals, but friends at the end of the day with respect fir eachother’s abilities. Dressed said earlier he thinks Chalmers is a better swimmer