Watch Caeleb Dressel Go Mind-Boggling 17.63 in 50 Free

by Robert Gibbs 91

March 23rd, 2018 News

2018 MEN’S NCAA SWIMMING & DIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS

We got to witness history tonight not once, but twice, tonight, as Florida senior Caeleb Dressel dropped two sub-18 flat start 50 frees.  First he went 17.81 leading off Florida’s victorious 200 free relay, then he dropped almost another two-tenths off his own record to win the individual 50 free.

Courtesy of Anthony Preda

Originally reported by Jared Anderson

The only thing better than witnessing history is witnessing it twice.

Spectators of tonight’s meet got to see perhaps the most impressive night of short course swimming in world history, as Florida’s Caeleb Dressel re-lowered his own American record, going 17.63 to become the first man ever under 18 seconds in a flat start 50 free – twice in one day.

Dressel’s 17.63 takes two tenths off his already-insane 17.81 leading off the relay earlier and only cements what swimming fans have been thinking since at least this meet last year – Dressel is a generational talent and the greatest yards swimmer in history.

NC State’s Ryan Held was 18.64, still one of the fastest times in history and was a full second behind. Minnesota’s Bowe Becker thrilled the home crowd with an 18.90 for bronze, and six of the top 8 broke 19 seconds.

Cal’s Pawel Sendyk was 18.94 and Auburn’s’ Zach Apple tied with Ryan Hoffer of Cal for fifth at 18.97. The only two above 19 in the heat were Robert Howard and Blake Pieroni.

Dressel’s former club teammate Santo Condorelli won the B final, going 18.99 for USC.

NC State remains in the lead narrowly – they are 5 points up on Florida and 8.5 ahead of Cal. Texas is now 22 points back and Stanford is 41 back in 5th place.

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Martinfamily
5 years ago

did he even get wet??? Incredible.

bodybyfood
5 years ago

Ok guys, let’s be honest. This swim was great, but Florida ruined him! If he had gone to a *real* sprint school he would’ve done a 16! No sprinter should ever go to Florida where they produce IMers and 200 specialists (and disregard his 200 IM performance)!

SCM50FREE
5 years ago

Let that man swim the 50 m freestyle SCM, he will be the first to ever break 20 sec from a flat start!

Meistro
5 years ago

The first man to break 19 sec was Freddie bouquet in 2005 at the the exact same pool.

40 Flat
5 years ago

Somebody drug test this man.

Steve
5 years ago

Here’s a close up view of the swim:
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1600154433439389&id=850009418453898

It was absolutely incredible to see in person!

E+Gamble
Reply to  Steve
5 years ago

Thanks. This video is lit. Wow.

sane swim parent
Reply to  Steve
5 years ago

Much better view of his stroke. Thanks.

E+Gamble
5 years ago

If you guys are interested in watching the Florida Gators accept their awards subscribe to Florida Gators Swim and Dive on Instagram. They have all the Gators awards in Instagram Stories. ?

WhaWha
5 years ago

Imagine the sponsors that have him on speed dial as soon as he touches the wall on that free relay………..

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