Caeleb Dressel, the seven-time Olympic gold medalist from the United States has been on a rollercoaster ride off late. He experienced the lowest of all lows at the 2023 U.S. Swimming Championships losing his spot on Team USA going to the 2023 FINA World Championships. Subsequently, he found unending joy in the news of his upcoming fatherhood. But the time of 51.66 will always stay with him as a reminder of the darkest moment in his career. Now, another American posted the same 51.66 seconds at the Swimming World Cup 2023 on day 1, but the vibe was completely different. 

Michael Andrew competed in the Men’s 100-meter butterfly on behalf of the United States. He was joined by fellow team member Trenton Julian who had also secured a place in the finals. Both athletes put on an impressive performance but Michael Andrew’s stellar finish was the icing on the cake over the Australians. 

Michael Andrew’s incredible speed at the Swimming World Cup 2023

Michael Andrew entered the pool in lane five next to Australia’s Ben Armbruster who had recently returned to the sport after recovering from a rib injury. Andrew led the charge for Team USA while his compatriot Trenton Julian managed the vanguard. It was a neck-and-neck battle between Andrew and his Australian rival who was not letting his guard down. The 24-year-old American ace kept his lead with wide strokes and kept the challenger at bay.

He had the 50-meter splits at 23.91 and brought home the victory by touching the wall at 51.66 seconds in the final lap. Ben Armbruster who was a close second had managed to pull up in the final lap taking the silver at 51.69 seconds. Michael Andrew secured a total of 877 Aqua points which brings his sum total at the 100-meter butterfly finals to 18.7 points.

The first runner-up from the land down under scored 8.75 Aqua points bringing his sum total to 16.7. While these two phenomenal athletes did splendidly, another American athlete kept his Olympic dreams alive. 

Trenton Julian wins bronze for Team USA 

Team USA now had two reasons to celebrate after the opening day of the Swimming World Cup 2023. Trenton Julian pulled off an incredible feat and secured the bronze at the 100-meter butterfly final. He scored 857 Aqua points and will proceed to the next leg of the tour in Athens.

He is on a mission to redeem himself after a disciplinary committee banned him temporarily from taking part in the World Championships earlier this year. Now he has been cleared of all misconduct and he has taken this big setback in his stride. 

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Team USA has some big races ahead of them tomorrow. They will be hoping to start the day with a win which will hopefully set the tone for the finals. The Swimming World Cup 2023 is a crucial event for American swimmers as it will give them a direct ticket to the 2024 Doha World Championships, and the 2024 Paris Olympics. Michael Andrew has already taken a vital step in that direction, and now it remains to be seen who from Team USA will join him tomorrow. 

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