“Miss Him”: New Dad and US Legend Caeleb Dressel on Balancing Paris Olympics With Parenthood

Caeleb Dressel has tasted success in the turquoise waters with his accolades as a 7 time gold medalist Olympian, and at the tender age of 27, no less. With professional overtures brimming at an all-time high, one shouldn’t discount the personal endeavors of athletes as well and so far, Dressel is trying her best to acclimatize himself to the ebbs and flows that fatherhood has to offer, with his newborn son in tow.

Consequently, he also clinched victory in his first race post wearing the hat of a dutiful father and is bringing back his trusty swim cap and magnanimous wingspan to usurp Paris Olympics glory. He got into a tête-à-tête post his maiden victory in 2024 and spilled the beans on whether fatherhood is all that it’s cut out to be, him desperately missing his son’s presence and many more.

Caeleb Dressel dons the role of fatherhood with aplomb and verve

Caeleb Dressel recently let his candor shine through when he expressed how he profoundly enjoys the succor of fatherhood and at the same time expressed that he is not fully present for his son, post his win at the 2024 TYR Pro Series. On NBC Olympics & Paralympics, he quips that – I miss him so much. Been gone for two days, I need to sniff him.” 

The reporter further asks Caeleb about his priorities in life currently with his newborn son and how is he focusing on his push towards Paris 2024. To this, Dressel responds, “Yeah, I wouldn’t say I had to refocus or anything like that. It’s  definitely been some changes, diaper changes and actual life changes, but it’s all been very fulfilling. I wouldn’t change anything, wouldn’t have it any other way. Yes, it’s been fun doing it with Megan, my teammate. Yeah, I miss him.” 

On the 2nd day of the Pro Swim Series event taking place at FMC Natatorium in Westmont, Dressel emerged victorious in the 100-meter butterfly race, finishing it in 51.27 seconds. Next to Dressel were Dare Rose and Zach Harting. It wasn’t just his 1st win as a father, but also his fastest swim of the season. What’s next in the offing for him, though?

Caeleb Dressel aims to replicate his 2020 Olympic triumphs

Caeleb Dressel’s fans are hoping that he balances parenthood and keeps up this good form heading towards the Olympics in Paris. He won 7 golds in the 2017 World Championships, 6 golds in the 2018 World Championships, 6 golds in the 2019 World Championships, and 5 golds at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Read More: “What Did I Do Wrong”: Despite 7 Olympic Medals, Swimming Star Caeleb Dressel Reflects on His Vulnerable Side

Dressel has experienced many highs and lows in the last two seasons. During the 2022 World Championships in Budapest, he had to withdraw due to health problems and was forced to take a break for a while temporarily from swimming. After this break, he could not qualify for the 2023 World Championships. Now, rejuvenated after the birth of his son August, 7-time Olympian Caeleb Dressel is ready to take the world by storm at the Paris Olympics. 

Continue Reading: Olympic Gold Medalist Swimmer Caeleb Dressel Once Explained Why His Comparisons to Michael Phelps Was Unfair- ‘He Was at a Whole Other Level’