NANTERRE, France

– Caeleb Dressel celebrated a triumphant victory on Saturday night, anchoring the U.S. men's 4x100-meter freestyle relay team to a gold medal at the World Championships. The veteran swimmer, who has been a cornerstone of the U.S. team, expressed his joy by high-fiving fans and sharing emotional moments with his family after the race. The U.S. team outperformed strong competitors, including Australia and China, solidifying their dominance in the event. Dressel's victory was particularly meaningful as he reflected on his journey, stating, “It takes me back to my first gold. Really special standing on the podium with these guys watching the flag go up.” His performance was bolstered by teammate Hunter Armstrong, who swam the fastest leg, allowing Dressel to secure the win with confidence. The emotional celebration culminated in Dressel embracing Armstrong and leading the crowd in chants of “U-S-A!” After the race, Dressel sought out his wife Meghan and their five-month-old son, August Wilder, sharing hugs and kisses that underscored the personal significance of the moment. “It’s really special. Making the team in front of him and then winning a gold in front of him,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of family in his achievements. Looking ahead, Dressel aims to defend his titles in the 100 butterfly and 50 freestyle events, continuing his legacy as one of the sport's elite athletes. He previously won gold in two relays at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, further establishing his reputation on the world stage.