Anthony Nesty on State of Caeleb Dressel Heading into Trials: ‘He’s in a Good Spot’

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

Three years ago, Caeleb Dressel was one of the faces of the Olympics and certainly the face of Team USA on the men’s swim team.

But after winning three individual gold medals at the Tokyo Olympics, Dressel went through struggles in and out of the water, became a father, and came back strong to the sport in the year leading up to the U.S. Olympic Trials in Indianapolis.

Dressel’s coach Anthony Nesty said that he has worked hard to get back to world class after his health concerns. He took a year and a half away from competition and has seemed refreshed with the break.

“He is in a good spot, but this is a tough meet. We started a journey to this meet in September,” Nesty said. “He has improved from the fall. The spring was more of a championship segment of the year. He has improved dramatically from the fall to the spring.

“He was fantastic in San Antonio and great in Atlanta, too.”

Dressel is the third seed in the 100 butterfly at 50.84 (behind Dare Rose and Shaine Casas), fifth seed in the 50 free in 21.84 and 10th seed in the 100 free heading into trials at 48.30.

PSYCH SHEET

Dressel is a two-time Olympian and claimed individual gold in the 50 free, 100 free and 100 butterfly in Tokyo. He has been a champion in college, at the national and world level and that gives him a unique perspective and experience.

“Our athletes are prepared and know what to expect, and Caeleb is no different. The first thing is to make finals, then it takes care of itself,” Nesty said. “I told him to lean on his experience.”

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