World-Record Alert: Caeleb Dressel Chasing Global Mark in 100 Butterfly; No WRs at U.S. Trials Since 2008

World-Record Alert: Caeleb Dressel Chasing Global Mark in 100 Butterfly; No WRs at U.S. Trials Since 2008

The crowd inside the CHI Health Center will be on world-record alert on Saturday night, as Caeleb Dressel might make a run at his global standard in the 100-meter butterfly during Night Seven of the United States Olympic Trials in Omaha. Dressel is coming off a semifinal performance of 49.76, which puts him in striking distance of his world mark of 49.50. The event is first on the evening schedule.

A world record has not been set Trials since 2008, the first year the meet was held in Omaha and when seven records went down. That surge of standards was fueled by the era of the super-suit, which radically altered the sport for the better part of two years. The last of the seven records set in 2008 was courtesy of Margaret Hoelzer in the 200 backstroke, which was held on the seventh night of the meet.

The 2004 Olympic Trials in Long Beach featured six world records while the 2000 Trials in Indianapolis, the last held at the historic IU Natatorium, witnessed zero world marks.

Dressel has already clinched his spot on the American squad bound for the Olympic Games in Tokyo, thanks to his triumph in the 100 freestyle earlier in the week. He is expected to add the 100 butterfly and 50 freestyle to his program, which will set him up for a run at seven medals at the Games – three individual and four relay.

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Kevin Talbert

2 years ago

This is who I’m oulling for now since Ryan retired