Meet the 2016 USA Olympic Swimming Team: Caeleb Dressel (Video)

Meet 2016 Olympian Caeleb Dressel from Green Cove Springs, Florida. In the video Caeleb discusses how he was forced into swimming by his parents and preferred soccer, but eventually dropped soccer when swimming began to take off. He also talks about how when he’s behind the blocks is when he’s most calm during a competition, and that once he qualified for the Olympics all of the people who helped him get there flooded into his head.

Dressel’s talent in the water was discovered at a young age, breaking the 13-14 National Age Group record in the 50 freestyle at the 2011 Junior National Championships in Palo Alto. Through high school Dressel trained with coach Sergio Lopez and the Bolles School Sharks, training with the likes of Ryan MurphyJoseph Schooling and Santo Condorelli, all of whom will also compete in Rio.

In 2013 Dressel became the youngest swimmer in US history to swim sub-50 in the 100 free, ultimately lowering the 15-16 NAG to 49.28. He also claimed records in the 50 and 200 free there. He continued his tear at the 2013 Junior World Championships winning six medals, including a gold and another age group record (now in the 17-18 category) in the 100 free of 48.97. He also broke the 50 free record in 22.22 finishing third. Dressel capped a fantastic year becoming the first 18 and under swimmer to break 19 seconds in the 50 yard free, going 18.94 (another NAG).

Dressel then went off to the University of Florida, where he won gold in the 50 free at his first NCAA Championships in 18.67, 0.01 off Nathan Adrian‘s American record. It was also a school record, and became the first Gator to ever win the 50 free at NCAAs. Dressel then competed at the 2015 US Nationals, clcoking best times of 21.53 and 48.78 in the 50 and 100 free, both good for wins. His clocking of 21.53 ranked him 3rd in the world at the time, and would’ve won bronze at the World Championships.

In 2016 he had an unbelievable college season, breaking the 50 yard free NCAA and American records multiple times, ultimately going 18.20 to win his second straight NCAA title. He also won the 100 free in a new American and NCAA record. Dressel went on to qualify for the Olympics in late June/early July, finishing 2nd in the 100 free in a best time of 48.23. He had a disappointing swim in the 50, finishing 4th in 21.80, but will still have the 400 free relay and potentially the 400 medley relay to swim in Rio.

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marklewis
7 years ago

The 100 free may be the most competitive event on the men’s Olympic schedule.

For Caeleb to make the final would be a big accomplishment.

He keeps improving his times at the big meets. I’m sure he’ll bring it at the Biggest Meet of all.

Bolles shark
7 years ago

Caeleb did not train with Sergio! Jason Calanog was his coach during his high school years

Jem
Reply to  Bolles shark
7 years ago

Wouldn’t that also mean the trained with Sergio? Honest question

Sven
Reply to  Jem
7 years ago

I believe he swam at a totally different site from the one where Sergio was coaching.

Jem
Reply to  Sven
7 years ago

I see. Thanks

Rajon
Reply to  Jem
7 years ago

Sergio only coached the kids that attended the high school. Jason trained the “club only” kids that went to high school elsewhere. What is crazy is that the NHS relay records Bolles broke were ridiculous fast and Dressel was not even on those.

Flyin\'
Reply to  Rajon
7 years ago

I believe Josh Booth, now at Auburn, was the fourth leg on those

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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