Caeleb Dressel secures spot to defend 50m freestyle Olympic title in Paris

Caeleb Dressel secured a spot to defend his 50m freestyle Olympic title in Paris by winning at the US Olympic swimming trials. His victory marked his first individual swim in Paris after missing out on the 100m free. Dressel showcased top form, winning the 50 free in 21.41sec, ranking him as the fourth-fastest globally this year. With his family cheering him on, Dressel displayed a strong performance, also clocking the top time in the 100m fly semi-finals. Phoebe Bacon triumphed over world champion Claire Curzan to secure her place in Paris with a strong finish in the 200m backstroke. Regan Smith, a former world record holder, demonstrated a significant improvement since 2021 and heads to Paris as a strong contender in multiple events. Carson Foster clinched victory in the 200m individual medley, securing his spot on the Olympic team with a powerful freestyle leg. Shaine Casas, emotional after securing his first Olympic team placement, delivered a strong performance in the 200m individual medley. Dressel, despite facing challenges and feeling less than optimal, maintained a composed demeanor and pushed through the competition. The supportive crowd at the trials added to the positive atmosphere for the athletes, with Dressel expressing excitement for future improvements in his performance. Overall, the US Olympic swimming trials showcased impressive performances from athletes like Dressel, Bacon, Smith, Foster, and Casas, who overcame challenges and secured their spots on the Paris-bound Olympic team. The trials highlighted the dedication, resilience, and talent of these swimmers as they prepare to represent the United States on the international stage.