Speed Blast From the Past: Caeleb Dressel Clocks 17.63 in 50-Yard Freestyle (Video)

Speed Blast From the Past: Caeleb Dressel Clocks 17.63 in 50-Yard Freestyle

As the competition drought continues due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has upended the world, it has been frustrating to go month to month without witnessing some top-flight performances. Sure, there have been a handful, such as Italian Gregorio Paltrinieri clocking 14:33.10 in the 1500 freestyle, and Hong Kong’s Siobhan Haughey going 1:54.44 in a 200 freestyle time trial. Still, we’re accustomed to seeing regular efforts that dazzle.

In search of some speed to feed our needs, here is a look at Caeleb Dressel’s 17.63 scorcher in the 50-yard freestyle from the 2018 NCAA Championships. As Dressel prepares to chase Olympic titles next year in Tokyo in the sprint-freestyle events and 100 butterfly, we take a moment to watch Dressel redefine speed. As you watch Dressel easily crack the 18-second barrier, take note of his start and how far ahead of the field he is when surfacing. Then, appreciate Dressel’s turn and how he negates the massive wave that is naturally found in a race featuring eight powerful men. Dressel’s start and ability to separate himself from the competition have remained calling cards in his post-college career.

Dressel owns the 13-fastest performances in the history of the 50-yard freestyle, and his 17.63 record has been complemented by a 17.81 mark. Emphasizing Dressel’s dominance in the event is the fact that the No. 2 performer in history, Cesar Cielo, owns a best of 18.47, nearly a second back of the University of Florida product. Cielo posted his time at the 2008 NCAA Champs.

The hope is that, sooner than later, we will see a return to competition and have the chance to witness elite efforts from the present. But until that day arrives, it’s always enjoyable to peek to the past.

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