America’s Caeleb Dressel Smiles in Silence After Rumors of Arch-Rival Quitting Swimming World Cup Disrupt the Internet

Caeleb Dressel, once dubbed the next Michael Phelps, is gearing up for the 2024 Paris Olympics. After a lengthy hiatus, Dressel returned to competitive swimming in June. His performances in the US National Championships left much to be desired. That led to failure in securing qualification for the World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan. A long time away from the pool was showing. Mentally, though, he is back to being his old self once more.

It was a much-needed respite owing to mental health reasons. Swimming was no longer an endeavor that Dressel approached with a smile. The gap was a necessary one. At its conclusion, he even missed the chlorine in the pools. Now, one of his arch-rivals has also opted to take more time away from the pool.

Mental health: A serious concern

According to a tweet by StateOfSwimming.com, Hungary’s Kristof Milak will skip the Berlin leg of the upcoming World Cup. He decided on this after “talks with coach” Balazs Virth, according to the tweet. Rather Milak will prepare for Paris from here. He hopes to compete in the Budapest leg of the World Cup. Simultaneously, he will not be pushing himself too hard. No race has assumed any importance for him. He aims to be fit enough for the trip to the City of Light.

Plenty of elite athletes have come forward to share their struggles with depression. As a problem many struggle with, it has not always appeared in the public’s consciousness. The pressures accompanying their sporting endeavors have brought many to their knees. As a result, many are taking much-needed time away from their sports.

According to the New York Times, Michael Phelps, the most decorated swimmer, spoke about his anxiety toward the end of his career. After clinching the gold in the 100-meter breaststroke in Tokyo, Lydia Jacoby was depressed, too. Outside of swimming, gymnast Simone Biles had suffered from “twisties” in Tokyo. Tennis star Naomi Osaka is another who had to take time away from the sport.

Dressel and Milak: Kindred souls outside swimming

Dressel and Milak have faced each other frequently in the lanes. The former drew praise for his gesture toward the vanquished latter during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Both swimmers finished the Men’s 100-meter butterfly event in under 50 seconds. The world record and gold medal went to Dressel while Milak finished only 0.23 seconds behind. He congratulated the Hungarian for his own personal best at a great moment for the sport.

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When competing, the pair always sought to outdo each other. They both struggled with mental health issues and have made their comebacks to the sport. Kristof Milak has an eye on breaking Caeleb Dressel’s record in the 100-meter butterfly event. The duo will look to renew that rivalry in Paris.

Kristof Milak is slowly and steadily making his way back to competitive swimming. A refreshing time away from the pool might be what he needs to recharge himself. However, as seen in Caeleb Dressel’s case, time away from training has other consequences. As things stand, it remains to be seen if either Dressel or Milak return to the same levels they showed in the past.

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