Caeleb Dressel vs. Kyle Chalmers: Latest Duel Slated For This Weekend in Naples
The latest chapter in the 100 freestyle rivalry between American Caeleb Dressel and Australian Kyle Chalmers is set for this weekend. Dressel and Chalmers are expected to clash in the 100-meter freestyle during the sixth match of the International Swimming League (ISL) season in Naples, Italy. Dressel will represent the Cali Condors while Chalmers is making his season debut for the London Roar.
Dressel and Chalmers have established themselves as the premier performers in the sport’s blue-ribbon event, with the American claiming the gold medal at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Chalmers followed in the silver-medal position, consequently replicating the finish from the 2019 World Championships in Gwangju. The matchup in Tokyo was spectacular, as Dressel touched the wall in 47.02, followed by Chalmers in 47.08.
Chalmers, the 2016 Olympic champion in the 100 freestyle, got the best of Dressel at the 2018 Pan Pacific Championships, where Dressel shared the silver medal. Dressel owns a personal-best time of 46.96 in the long-course pool and 45.08 in the short-course format. As for Chalmers, his long-course best of 47.08 is complemented by a top short-course mark of 45.54.
While Chalmers is slated to make his initial ISL appearance this weekend, Dressel has been superb for the Condors, who are chasing a second consecutive team title. Last week, he clocked an effort of 45.47 in the 100 free, and a run at the world record of Frenchman Amaury Leveaux (44.94) is within reach before the end of the ISL campaign.
