Caeleb Dressel came out as the invincible face of American swimming in the Tokyo Olympics. But the waters felt different for the Olympic champion in Paris. Dressel dominated the 2020 Summer Olympics, securing five gold medals. However, the world witnessed him grappling with situations far below his own standards in the Paris Olympics. 

Dressel’s sixth-place finish in the 50-meter freestyle and failure to even qualify for the 100-meter butterfly final stunned the world in a way the world was not ready for. Although he won two golds with his team and an individual silver, the dissatisfaction still loomed as he couldn’t secure an individual gold. And for the swimmer himself, the scoreboard was not just hard pills to swallow, but they were deeply personal. But unlike the Dressel of old, who might have internalized this setback. This Dressel is different. He is more open and more human. And he didn’t care who saw it.

Caeleb Dressel takes the plunge into honesty amid Olympic waves of disappointment

At the Paris Olympics, Caeleb Dressel unfortunately underperformed in all the events he had once set records in. On one hand, that resulted in disappointment and heartbreak, while on the other, fans could not easily ingrain Dressel’s unexpected setback. The 27-year-old swimmer made headlines for all the reasons the athlete had not planned for. But Caeleb did not shy away from acknowledging the setbacks. Amid all the debate, discussion, and heartbreak, Dressel decided to be way more transparent than he ever was.

In a recent conversation with SwimSwam, the athlete stated, “I don’t need to suck it up. I’m done hiding how I feel.” These words hit the ground not just from frustration but more because of a realization. No longer was he willing to mask his emotions or fit into the stoic mold that athletes are often pressured to embody. 

After the disappointing loss, Dressel also had to gear up for the relays. But he confessed that he has a great trait. And that is to suppress his emotions and focus on the next goal. “I was done swimming for the next two days until the medley relay, so if I would have had an event that night… you shove it down and you get ready to,” expressed Caeleb.

Caeleb further shared that the trials had nearly broken him. Despite admitting that his confession might soon turn out to be controversial, he still continued. Acknowledging the weight of expectation that had loomed over him, he said, “There was a very real moment at trials where the 55.03 semifinal could have been my last race.” But this was only the beginning of Dressel’s journey toward embracing a new outlook.

Dressel unapologetically embraces vulnerability and joy despite Olympic setbacks in Paris

Immediately after the loss in Paris, Caeleb strongly faced reality and admitted the truth. “I’d like to be performing better. I’m not. I trained to go faster than the times I’m going… It’s tough, a little heartbreaking for sure.” Moreover, he also stated that despite his loss, Paris was ‘fun’.

TOKYO, JAPAN – JULY 31: Gold Medalist Caeleb Dressel of USA celebrates winning the Men’s 100m Butterfly Final on day eight of the swimming competition of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Tokyo Aquatics Centre on July 31, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)Despite the loss, Dressel decided to perceive the glass as half full rather than half empty. “I mean, that’s a good bit off my best, good bit off my best right there, and it felt like it. I think just actually enjoying the moment; I’m at the Olympic Games; I won’t forget that,” said the Olympic medalist. Caeleb was still trying to enjoy his time as an Olympian with his team.

Caeleb didn’t owe anyone a hardened front. After years of battling internal and external pressures, he unapologetically admitted his feelings. His presence in Paris was no longer about the medals or the times but about the journey, the vulnerability, and embracing the Olympic experience for what it was. 

In an era where athletes are scrutinized for every step they take and every race they run, Dressel’s refusal to conform indeed came as a challenge. However, the swimmer confirmed that he will return to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, but he is still unsure if he will be competing or supporting his team from the stands. “I’m not sure where I’ll be four years down the road, but I’ll either be in the stands or behind the block, so it’ll be one of those,” said Dressel. At the moment, it is contemplation and doubts that Dressel is dealing with. Whether Caeleb soon comes back to prove his worth once again still remains to be seen.