Seven-time American Olympic champion Caeleb Dressel, who is beginning his return to the highest level a few months before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, finished his 3rd and final day of competition at the US Open with a modest time in the 100m freestyle Saturday in Greensboro (United States).
After the morning heats (49.05), Dressel had to settle for 2nd place in the B final in 48 sec 85. His time, far from his record of 46 sec 96 in 2019, is however his best in the discipline since June 2022.
From Thursday to Saturday, Dressel laid the foundations for a return to the highest level at the US Open, in the 50 m freestyle, 100 m butterfly (winner) then 100 m freestyle, showing himself satisfied with his form and the his progress in training. He hopes to be able to shine at the Paris Olympic Games in 2024.
The 27-year-old American experienced two chaotic years after his triumph at the Tokyo Games in 2021 (five titles). Between breaks of several months outside the pools, he withdrew from the World Championships in Budapest in 2022 before failing to qualify for those in Fukuoka this summer.
Dressel will have to go through the Trials planned for Indianapolis from June 15 to 23, like his compatriots, to hope to compete in the Olympics.
In Greensboro, North Carolina, Hong Kong swimmer Siobhan Haughey won the 100m freestyle, in which she is the reigning Olympic vice-champion, in 52 sec 94, after having already triumphed in the 200m freestyle and 100m breaststroke.
American pool legend Katie Ledecky strolled over 1,500 m (15:46.38).