Watch Caeleb Dressel Break Two World Records; Set American Mark (Videos)
Caeleb Dressel had his way on the opening day of the International Swimming League Grand Final, as the American star – on course to shine at next year’s Olympic Games – set a pair of world records and an American record in the course of 75 minutes. Dressel set world records in the 100-meter butterfly and 50 freestyle, while his American record came in the 100 freestyle. Last week, Dressel set a world record in the 100 individual medley.
The performances by Dressel lifted his team, the Cali Condors, into the lead in the team standings, with Energy Standard sitting in second place. The second season of the ISL will conclude on Sunday. Energy Standard is the defending league champion, but will need a major comeback to go back-to-back. As for Dressel, he is positioned to chase additional world records in the 100 freestyle, 100 I.M. and 50 butterfly.
In the 100 butterfly, Dressel clocked a time of 47.78 to become the first man to break the 48-second barrier. The former record was held at 48.08 by South African Chad Le Clos, who finished second to Dressel on Saturday. While Dressel was pushed during the first half of the race, he had too much for his foes over the last 50 meters.
In the 50 freestyle, Dressel covered his two laps in 20.16 to better his previous record of 20.24, which was set at last year’s ISL Grand final. There was speculation that Dressel might become the first person to go under 20 seconds in the event.
Dressel’s American record came on the leadoff leg of the Condors’ 400 freestyle relay. Dressel opened with a split of 45.18, which took .02 off his American record from last week. Dressel will get another chance at the world record in that event on Sunday when he contests the individual 100 free, which is the first event on the program. The mark stands at 44.94 and belongs to France’s Amaury Leveaux.
Emma Burke
Sean Campsie Andrew Hosie