Caeleb Dressel Sets Olympics Record, Wins Gold in 100M Freestyle

Dressel completed the 100m freestyle in 47.02 seconds, winning his second gold medal in Tokyo.

Caeleb Dressel had already won gold medals in relay events on the Olympic stage. On Thursday in Tokyo, he took the top step of the podium on his own.

Dressel won gold in the 100m individual freestyle, setting a new Olympics record in the process. He finished with a time of 47.02, beating the previous time of 47.05.

GOOSEBUMPS.

Caeleb Dressel sets the 100M Free Olympic Record and his family’s reaction is EVERYTHING. #TokyoOlympics pic.twitter.com/vwiYZMJ85J

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) July 29, 2021

Australia's Kyle Chalmers took silver, finishing just behind Dressel with a time of 47.08. Kliment Kolesnikov of Russia came in third at 47.44.

After keeping his focus leading up to and through the end of the race, Dressel's emotions came to the surface in his post-race interview.

The emotions of gold for @TeamUSA's Caeleb Dressel.

He reached the dream. #TokyoOlympics

📺: NBC
💻: https://t.co/Sdse4JEfNh
📱: NBC Sports App pic.twitter.com/DsFw6LPu1a

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) July 29, 2021

Dressel, 24, has already turned in a remarkable performance in Tokyo, but his work is not yet done. He's still set to compete for gold in the individual 50m freestyle and 100m fly, as well as two more relay events. The possibility of winning six gold medals still in play is a big reason why Dressel is seen as the heir apparent to Michael Phelps.

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