?I Have Some Goals?: Caeleb Dressel Downplays Comparisons to Michael Phelps Amidst Tokyo Olympics 2020

When Michael Phelps retired after Rio 2016, the swimming fraternity lost a charismatic personality. Plus an excellent swimmer. However, Caeleb Dressel stepped up to the plate. The US phenomenon is one of the best swimmers in the world, right now.

Moreover, Dressel won two gold medals in his time at Tokyo Olympics 2020 and looks to win more. His emotional interview with his family after the race speaks volumes about his personal goals, as well as the pressures he faces on becoming the next Michael Phelps.

Despite that, Dressel is slowly but steadily living up to Phelps’ legacy.

Michael Phelps is a living legend of swimming

Despite the ominous pressure, Dressel’s performances have been incredible to date. His infamous incident with Brooks Curry shows the mentality he is in right now. Just to race. Race and only race.

During an interview with TODAY, Dressel remarked about the challenges he had and the expectations for him to deal with being touted as the next Michael Phelps.

“I don’t think it’s fair to Michael. He’s a better swimmer than me. I’m completely fine with saying that. That’s not my goal in the sport, to beat Michael.

“I’m a very different athlete than Michael. He was at a whole other level. I’m fine if people want to compare me to him,” said Dressel.

Being compared to Phelps is an honor in itself. He has won 28 medals in the Olympics and won 23 gold medals as well. That stat is quite staggering considering he leads above some nations in terms of gold medals won. An incredible achievement. In spite of that, Dressel’s mentality is on a distinct note.

“Instead of comparing himself to Michael, Dressel’s personality suggests he enjoys the sport rather than dominating it from start to finish.

“I have some goals that I would like to accomplish to where I can consider myself to be great, and I don’t have to compare myself to Michael to consider myself to be great,” said Dressel.

To sum up, he loves what he does.

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Caeleb Dressel looks to make history

The gold medal victory in the 4 ? 100-meter freestyle relay was the first medal he received in Japan. Soon after, the 100-meter freestyle (a signature event) ended with him racking up the gold. Even though the race was tight, Dressel’s confidence was stamped on the event and the winner was never in doubt.

Apart from the GOAT talk, the expectations on Dressel to win seven gold medals is another twist to the tale. Mark Spitz in the 1972 Munich Olympics won seven gold medals. Phelps’ dominant performances in the Beijing Olympics grabbed him eight.

But, the comparisons on Dressel look to be at an all-time high because of his potential to win seven gold medals. Till now it is two out of seven on the medals chart as he looks to express his dominance in the remaining events.

Whether he can secure the first position is left answered. Whatever it is, Caeleb Dressel wants to shine at Tokyo Olympics 2020. Fair to him, the plot to his queries seems promising.

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