Tokyo 2020: Team USA swim star Caeleb Dressel sets Olympic record with first individual gold medal
Floridian had previously won three relay golds
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Team USA swim star Caeleb Dressel has won his first individual Olympic gold medal with a dominant victory in the 100m freestyle.
Dressel, 24, set a new Olympic record as he led the race from start to finish ahead of Kyle Chalmers of Australia, with Kliment Kolesnikov representing the ROC team in third place.
“It’s been a really tough year, it’s been so hard, so to get this result makes me so happy,” he told NBC as he fought back tears.
The Floridian, who pointed to the sky after the win, was the first swimmer into the water and turned in first place as his rivals tried to unsuccessfully reel him in.
But he would not be denied his victory and fought off his rivals to touch first in 47.02, breaking the record set at Beijing 2008.
Before the win, Dressel had three career relay golds at Olympics but no individual title.
His wife, family and friends were later shown by NBC cheering him on and celebrating wildly at home in Florida.
He made his debut at Rio 2016 where he won gold medals in the men’s 4x100m freestyle and in the 4x100m medley relays, while finishing sixth in the 100m freestyle final.
He won his third Olympic gold in the 4x100m freestyle at Tokyo 2020 earlier this week, and was seen tossing his medal to a teammate who swam in his place in the heat.
Dressel, who hiked a section of the Appalachian Trail during the pandemic, had set the fastest time in the world this year in his qualifying heat and was a strong favourite for gold.
He is now favoured to also win gold in the 50m freestyle and the 100m fly later in the competition, having swum the fastest times this year in both events.
Dressel is also expected to take part in the mixed medley and 4x100m medley relays.
Since the Rio games Dressel has also won 15 world championship medals, of which 13 have been gold.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments