What happened to Caeleb Dressel? Florida swimmer's fans have his back after embarrassing Olympics moment

PARIS, FRANCE: Caeleb Dressel, a 27-year-old Florida native and reigning Olympic gold medalist, faced disappointing outcomes in both individual events he’d qualified for at the Paris Olympics on Friday night.

He finished sixth in the 50m freestyle final and 13th in the 100m butterfly semi-finals, failing to defend his gold medals in both events he won at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago.

After finishing both races in about 40 minutes, Dressel was seen crying on the side of the pool, embracing a member of Team USA's swimming staff, according to The Guardian.

What did Caeleb Dressel say about his performance at the Paris Olympics?

“It was very obviously not my best work,” Dressel said. “But the racing has been really fun here. Walking out for the 50 and the 100 fly, it was special. I don’t want to ever forget that. I’d like to be quicker, obviously. Not my week, that’s all right.

“I’d like to be performing better, but I’m not. I trained to go faster than the times I’m going. I know that. So, yeah. It’s tough, a little heartbreaking. A little heartbreaking for sure,” he added.

The path to Caeleb Dressel's third Olympics has been far from straightforward. In 2022, just under a year after his remarkable five-gold performance in Tokyo, he pulled out during the world championships and took an eight-month break from swimming to focus on his mental well-being.

When he came back at the following year's US national championships, Dressel didn't come close to qualifying for worlds, as he failed to reach the A-final in any of the sprint freestyle races.

Ever since Dressel bagged a record-tying seven golds at the 2017 World Championships, he has been viewed as the successor to Michael Phelps.

At last month’s US Olympic trials, Dressel addressed the pressure that comes with high expectations, saying, “I get it, trying to find the next guy. But I have said multiple times I’m not Michael, at all, and I’m fine with admitting that. I think I’m pretty damn good at what I do. And I’ve exceeded a lot of my expectations in the sport, and I have drained the talent that I have, and I’m still continuing to do that.”

The backlash from Team USA fans after Dressel’s dismal outing at Paris Olympics

Team USA supporters expressed their disappointment with Caeleb Dressel's underwhelming performance at the Paris Olympics, with many suggesting that the accomplished swimmer is past his prime, according to DailyMail.

Many fans emphasized Dressel's decline by repeatedly using the term “washed” in their tweets addressing his defeat.

Dressel's performance took a downward turn starting on Thursday when he finished 13th in the men's 50m freestyle quarterfinal. Despite finishing fifth in the semifinals, he ultimately fell short in the final race.

It hasn't been all negative for Dressel, however. On Saturday, he played a crucial role in helping the American team secure their third consecutive 4x100m freestyle title, claiming his eighth gold medal at the Summer Games, thus extending his remarkable record in Olympic history.

Only two other athletes, Usain Bolt and Ray Ewry, have achieved as many Olympic medals without winning any silver or bronze.

On Friday, Dressel competed for Team USA in the mixed 4x100-meter medley relay heats. This presents another opportunity for him to pursue his ninth Olympic gold medal in the final event, scheduled for Saturday night in the western suburbs of Paris.

Despite his individual campaign at the 2024 Paris Olympics not going as swimmingly as he’d hoped, his contribution to team efforts could salvage what has been a forgettable outing in this year’s Summer Olympic Games.

Internet split as Caeleb Dressel fails to defend his gold after nightmare outing at the Paris Olympic Games

People online shared their thoughts and opinions on the 27-year-old eight-time Olympic gold medalist who failed to win a medal in his individual races on Friday night.  

One X user remarked, "I am sad too, but he is such a delight to watch. Thank you Caeleb!"

Another user said, "Tough being a world class athlete."

Another user wrote, "Feel so sad for Caeleb Dressel!!! Was screaming for him to get that Gold medal in the 50m Free!Ugh! Heartbreaking finish! He’s still an Olympian & and Winner! We love you Dressel!! #TeamUSA #Swimming #Dressel #Paris2024 #Olympics So proud of you! Always a Champion!"

One X user claimed, "I'm sure he'll bounce back and be back on top in no time."

Another user mentioned, "Saw a profile on him. He's really gonna beat himself up over this and its a shame. Hopefully, being a new father will put things in perspective."

Another user asserted, "It's tough watching Caleb Dressel swim and realize in real time that one of the greats just doesn't have it like he used to."

One X user said, "Caleb dressel get your head in the game man lochte and phelps are watching rn."

Another user snarked, "Caeleb Dressel is so washed wtf…"

Another user remarked, "Dressel washed hurts to see."

Finally, this user tweeted, "Dressel is washed. This whole swim team needs a overhaul."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.