Caeleb Dressel, Katie Ledecky Swim Time Trials During Florida-Virginia Dual Meet
As the Florida Gators hosted the Virginia Cavaliers in a quick early-season dual meet, three of the most prominent swimmers in the country raced exhibition during a break. These three swimmers, responsible for a collective seven individual gold medals at the Tokyo Olympics, all happen to train with the Florida team, and they got an early test of their training as they begin the long build toward the U.S. Olympic Trials in June.
Caeleb Dressel, set for a full season of training for the first time in three years, raced for the first time since his return to the major stage at this summer’s U.S. Nationals, when his lack of full preparation prevented a serious run at qualifying for the World Championships. Dressel swam a time of 1:34.98 in the 200 free, which surpassed the 1:35.06 that Jake Mitchell posted for the official win in the event in the college meet. Dressel actually negative split the race, going out in 47.51 before returning in 47.47, showing some endurance he lacked in his appearance at Nationals. Mark Szaranek finished second to Dressel in 1:36.82.
Meanwhile, Katie Ledecky raced the event and clocked 1:46.37, just ahead of the 1:46.65 posted by fellow Florida pro Natalie Hinds (1:46.87). Later on, Ledecky posted a time of 4:43.01 in the 500 free. Ledecky remains the top distance swimmer in the world after capturing her sixth consecutive world title in the 800-meter free this summer and winning her fifth title over 1500 meters.
Speaking of elite distance swimmers, Bobby Finke raced backstroke in his 200-yard time trial and swam a time of 1:46.87. Later on, Finke clocked 4:24.05 in a 500 free race, five seconds ahead of Brennan Gravley (4:29.02). Finke, the Olympic champion in the 800 and 1500 free, swam the third-fastest 1500-meter performance in history at the World Championships as he finished just behind Tunisia’s Ahmed Hafnaoui in an epic finish.
Very proud of all of you! Welcome back Dressel! So glad you’re back! Congrats to all of you🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸