Caeleb Dressel Out-Duels Bruno Fratus in 50 Freestyle at Atlanta Classic
When Caeleb Dressel arrives at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, he will wear the title of favorite in several events, the 50-meter freestyle among them. On Saturday night, the two-time defending world champion in the event had the opportunity to test his mid-training speed against a formidable foe at the Atlanta Classic.
Dueling with Brazilian Olympian Bruno Fratus, a medalist in the 50 free at the past three editions of the World Championships, Dressel picked up the win with a time of 21.82. As for Fratus, who recently locked up a bid to the Tokyo Games, he also got under the 22-second barrier, touching second in 21.98.
Through the first two days of racing in Atlanta, Dressel has posted victories in the 100 butterfly and 50 freestyle, with each event featuring a significant drop in time from prelims. Dressel also had a 1:47 clocking in the 200 freestyle, the latest step in his pursuit of a spot on the American roster for the 800 freestyle relay.
While Dressel and Fratus shined on the men’s side, Gretchen Walsh was the winner of the women’s 50 freestyle, as her time of 25.30 held off the matching 25.37 swims of Natalie Hinds and Luxembourg’s Julie Meynen. It was the third time in two days that Hinds was involved in a tie, joining the 100 butterfly and the prelims of the 50 free.