NANTERRE, France (AP)
- Caeleb Dressel, a prominent U.S. swimmer, anchored his team to victory in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay.
- With this win, Dressel achieved his eighth gold medal, continuing his legacy in competitive swimming.
- The youthful makeup of the U.S. swim team highlights their potential for future successes.
— Caeleb Dressel celebrated a triumphant victory at the Paris Games, marking a significant moment in his swimming career. After touching the wall, he expressed his joy with a shout and a victory lap, high-fiving U.S. fans before embracing his family. Dressel's emotional moment was heightened as he stood on the podium, reflecting on the support of his loved ones, particularly his wife Meghan and their 5-month-old son, August Wilder. Dressel's teammate, Armstrong, shared his surprise at the team's performance, emphasizing his commitment to giving his all for Dressel. With this victory, Dressel has now secured eight gold medals, five of which were earned in relay events. As he approaches his 28th birthday on August 16, the achievement adds to his legacy in the sport. The U.S. team, which included Jack Alexy and Chris Guiliano, finished the relay in 3 minutes and 9.28 seconds, just shy of the world record. Alexy expressed his honor in being part of the relay team, highlighting the pride in representing Team USA and witnessing Dressel's remarkable finish. This victory not only marked the first gold for the U.S. at the Paris Games but also underscored the personal significance for Dressel, who noted the importance of achieving these milestones in front of his family. The night was a celebration of teamwork, dedication, and the joy of Olympic success.