Caeleb Dressel failed to create history in the men’s 50m freestyle in Paris. Despite trying his best, Dressel could not manage to have his chlorine-soaked hands raised as the gold medal winner this time. With this loss, Caeleb Dressel lost the chance of becoming the first individual American man to clinch the gold medal in this edition of the Summer Olympic Games.

As a matter of fact, the USA has won some gold medals in Paris, but none of them have come from a competing male. Individual gold medalists include Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky so far. And while the men’s gymnastics team secured a bronze medal and Caeleb Dressel himself won gold in the 4x100m freestyle, both were team events. With today’s gold, Dressel could have won his ninth career Olympic gold medal. 

Unfortunately, in what was a shocking outcome, the favorite to win the dash ended up in the sixth position. Australian swimmer Cameron McEvoy won the gold medal, clocking 21.25s, while Benjamin Proud of Great Britain took silver with a time of 21.30s. French swimmer Florent Manaudou completed the podium, clocking 21.56s to take the bronze. Caeleb Dressel, on the other hand, lagged behind significantly to clock 21.61s.

This was an unexpected result, as Caeleb Dressel was the defending champion of the men’s 50m freestyle discipline. Having won a record 5 gold medals in the Tokyo Olympics, Dressel was highly hyped to replicate his impressive performance in Paris.

Apart from his Olympic accolades, Dressel also held an impressive 50m freestyle personal best of 21.04s. Unfortunately, Caeleb Dressel has failed to qualify for the finals of the men’s 100m butterfly as well, ending his Paris Olympic run in a somber tone. Meanwhile, fans do not seem to be taking this loss in good spirits at all. Taking their frustrations to social media, swimming fans are lashing out at Caeleb Dressel.

Caeleb Dressel faces the wrath of the internet after failing to defend the 50m freestyle title

When champions fall, the fans usually find it quite difficult to digest the reality. Likewise, netizens did not waste time in taking the heat to Caeleb Dressel once he failed to grab a podium finish today.

One comment from a fan on X reflected disappointment in the USA’s performance in swimming at the Paris Olympics. Highlighting the high expectations for American athletes like Caeleb Dressel, who failed to win gold in the men’s 50m freestyle despite being the defending champion, the fan wrote, “US talked a lot of game….and its been a let down overall”. The contrast between the USA swimmers’ pre-event confidence and the actual outcome has been referred to in the comment.

Another swimming enthusiast expressed frustration over Caeleb Dressel’s unexpected sixth-place finish in the men’s 50m freestyle. The fan even suggested that USA Swimming should consider coaching changes ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. “USA Swimming needs to seriously make some coaching changes for LA 2028, this just can’t happen,” read the comment.

The unexpected loss of Caeleb Dressel has left fans completely disheartened and dismayed. They expected Caeleb Dressel to secure the first gold as an individual male participant from the USA. But to everyone’s shock, he ended up in the sixth position. “USA Swimming is really going to need to find some magic to prepare for the next Olympics on home ground. While I appreciate the silver and bronze won, gold is important,” added the user. Despite the team’s success in winning silver and bronze, the fan stresses the need for improved preparation and performance, especially with the upcoming Olympics being held in the USA.

Referring to the Australian swimmer Cameron McEvoy winning the gold medal in the men’s 50m freestyle, defeating the favorite, Caeleb Dressel, another netizen commented, “Australia was talking that shit and they backed it up.” Despite Dressel’s status as the defending champion and high expectations to win, McEvoy’s victory validates Australia’s confidence and competitive talk leading up to the D-Day.

Such a disappointing result cost Dressel the chance to become the first American man to win gold in this edition of the Games and to add a ninth gold to his career tally. He failed to meet the expectations of fans standing on the international stage, and that has left fans heartbroken. Many took Dressel’s loss as an act of embarrassment. One user mentioned, “Caleb Dressel this was embarrassing man what the hell”.

Thus, with dreams shattered, Caeleb Dressel will surely be looking to come back strongly. Considering the champion that he is, Dressel can definitely turn the tide and make his fans stand up and bow their heads in admiration for his swimming expertise.