‘I Overdid It’- US Swimmer Caeleb Dressel Admits He Was at ‘Breaking Point’ at Tokyo Olympics 2020

Safe to say, it all seems to be going right for Caeleb Dressel. Dominating the pool at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, he received plaudits from all corners of the world for his performances. Apart from those medals, he was recently also voted as the ‘Sex**st Olympian’ by the People’s Magazine.

However, before success came his way, things were not easy going for the young American. Speaking to People in a candid interview, Dressel opened up on the pressures he faced in Tokyo, ahead of his showdown.

Caeleb Dressel reveals mental health struggles

With the Olympics done and dusted, for now, Dressel aims to prioritize his mental health above everything. After rigorous training and preparations for this year’s Summer Games, he now wants to enjoy the little things in life and get his mind stronger to compete at an Olympic level.

“That’s the biggest goal after coming back from Tokyo: being able to breathe. I think I overdid it, to be honest. I got great results, but I think it was to a fault. Because I drove myself crazy and I don’t think that’s fair to myself,” said Dressel.

Similarly, even legendary swimmer Michael Phelps fell victim to the ever exceeding pressure. Despite winning 23 gold Olympic gold medals, he too had his fair share of troubles.

Thus, Dressel spoke about the importance of athletes being valued like humans as well and not just performers. Fans often demand their favorite athletes to continue performing at the top-most level, further adding to their pressure.

READ MORE- Why Did Michael Phelps Choose Not To Defend His Gold At Tokyo Olympics 2020?

Dressel focuses on a stronger mentality

The iconic swimmer won five gold medals in this year’s Olympics. Even though he is one of the best swimmers in the world, performing at the grandest stage was tough. He recollects how his coach helped him to get through the tough times and focus on the race.

“The pressure a lot of these athletes, myself included, are under, you have to keep so much bottled up. You can’t let this emotion come forth because you’ll crack, so you just keep shoving it down, ignoring it and trying to maintain the course that you’re on and anything that’s a distraction, you just throw it away and don’t let it come out until the Games are over,” said Dressel.

With the 2024 Paris Olympics in three years, he would once again be the favorite for Olympic glory. His training, gritty determination, and steely resolve to keep going hard, make him the extraordinary athlete is. Undoubtedly, Caeleb Dressel will once again be the man to look out for at the Olympic Games.

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