• Caeleb Dressel, a seven-time Olympic champion, faced unexpected criticism during the 2024 Olympics.
• Known for his stellar performances and numerous endorsements, Dressel’s recent comeback hasn’t been smooth.
• What caused fans to turn on the swimmer they once adored? Here’s the full story.

Caeleb Dressel was once hailed as one of the greatest American sprinters in swimming history. For years, he has been the face of U.S. men’s swimming. His journey to the top was filled with record-breaking performances, emotional victories, and widespread adoration.

Despite his historic successes and popularity, Dressel’s recent performances at the 2024 Paris Olympics left fans disappointed and vocal on social media. Let’s delve into Dressel’s journey, the expectations placed on him, and the events that led to the backlash.

Early Success and Adoration

Dressel’s journey to becoming a top swimmer began early. He grew up in Green Cove Springs, Florida, where swimming was a family activity. His father, Mike Dressel, who swam in college, ensured all his children learned to swim for safety.

This early exposure turned into a passion for Caeleb. “We had to do a sport,” Dressel recalls. “That was the family rule.” He and his siblings all joined youth swim teams. However, middle school was tough for him.

During that time, Dressel had a love-hate relationship with the sport, finding it boring and uncool. Yet, his dedication to the sport prevailed, leading him to the Bolles School Sharks swimming club, where he met his future wife, Meghan.

As a young athlete, Dressel also showed promise in flag football and soccer. He earned the nickname “rubber leg” for his exceptional ability to send a soccer ball sailing down the field. However, swimming was where his heart lay.

He became known for his impressive performances during his teenage. In 2011, he broke the 13-14 national age group record in the 50-meter freestyle at the Junior National Championships.

The following year, he set a new record in the 100-yard freestyle for the 15-16 age group. He later broke the 17-18 age group record in the 100-meter freestyle, a record previously held by Michael Phelps.

In 2021, he competed at the Tokyo Olympics and his performances were legendary. He won five gold medals, including the 100-meter freestyle, where he narrowly beat Australia’s Kyle Chalmers. His victories led to endorsements with brands like Omega, Speedo, Toyota, and Nobull.

His performance in Tokyo made him a star and confirmed his place as one of the best in the sport. NBC Sports analyst Rowdy Gaines praised him, calling him possibly the greatest American sprinter in history.

After the Tokyo Olympics, Dressel looked forward to reuniting with his family. “I haven’t gotten to talk to them yet,” he said in 2021. “So I’m very much looking forward to just the FaceTime call.”

Dressel had a lot to bring home. He won five gold medals, three from individual events. He got emotional after winning the men’s 100m freestyle and seeing his wife Meghan calling in via video.

Dressel openly shared how important his family’s support was, highlighting the role they played in his success. “I’ve been doing the sport since I was 5 years old,” he said. “And if I don’t have support behind me, it’s just a dream.”

He admitted to being a frequent crier. His family wasn’t in Tokyo due to the pandemic restrictions that kept people from traveling. Due to his great performances and appearance, Dressel enjoyed widespread admiration from his fans.

His social media posts overflowed with comments praising his skills, physique, and dedication. On one of his posts from June 2024, fans showered him with love, saying things like, “You are the [best] Aquaman,” “Loved watching you swim! Congratulations!” and “Congratulations, champion.”

In another post, fans expressed their admiration with comments like, “So hot!” and “The hottest.” In yet another post, fans gushed, “Superman is in the building” and “So awesome.”

Dressel’s previous successes, charismatic personality, and interactions with fans made him a beloved figure in the swimming community.

His success came from intense preparation, including perfecting his start and turn techniques. He handled the pressure well, delivering record-breaking performances.

The Hiatus and Return

After the high of the Tokyo Olympics, Dressel faced a challenging period. The intense pressure and scrutiny took a toll on his mental health. By 2022, he realized he needed a break to focus on his well-being.

During the world championships that year, he decided to step away from the sport. “It was blatantly obvious that I needed to get help if I wanted to live a healthy, happy, joyful life,” Dressel admitted.

His hiatus lasted eight months, during which he focused on his well-being and sought therapy. Competing at the highest level had worn him down.

He mentioned how dealing with the immense pressure of being an elite athlete wasn’t easy. Some people handle stress better, but for Dressel, it was particularly challenging.

To support his mental health, Dressel began seeing a therapist regularly. This step was crucial in helping him manage his thoughts and feelings better.

He also limited his social media use, which can often be a source of negativity. Instead of engaging with every comment and post, Dressel would make a post and then quickly step away from his accounts.

In February 2023, Dressel made his return to training. He was eager to reclaim his place in the swimming world, but the road was not easy. That summer, he faced a significant setback.

Although he did his best, he failed to qualify for the 2023 World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan. This was a surprising and disappointing moment for the then-13-time world champion.

Dressel did not let this setback stop him and he remained focused on improving both his physical and mental health. He continued his therapy sessions and worked on his mental resilience.

He spoke about the importance of tuning into his mental chatter and welcoming it, whether it was positive or negative. This approach helped him handle the pressures of the sport and the media more effectively.

His dedication to improving his mental health and finding joy in everyday life helped him as he prepared for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Dressel knew that returning to top form would take time and patience.

He embraced the support of his family and teammates, understanding that he couldn’t achieve his goals alone. This period of personal growth and recovery was crucial for Dressel as he aimed to come back stronger.

The 2024 Olympics

Entering the 2024 Paris Olympics, Dressel was once again in the spotlight. As the face of U.S. men’s swimming, expectations were sky-high. Fans and analysts anticipated another round of stellar performances from the decorated swimmer.

Dressel, now a father, had a lot riding on these games. He entered as a favorite, not just for his previous victories, but also for his inspiring comeback story after taking a break for his mental health.

The expectations were immense, and Dressel himself acknowledged the pressure, saying, “There’s so much riding on a moment that comes every four years. It takes an obsession. It takes every bit of you, every ounce of you to just qualify for the Games.”

Dressel’s performance at the 2024 Olympics was a mixed bag. He did achieve a significant victory in the men’s 4x100m freestyle relay, where Team USA won their first gold medal of the Games and broke an Olympic record.

This win was a testament to Dressel’s talent and teamwork. His teammates applauded him, and he was overcome with emotion in the locker room, reflecting on the hard work and dedication it took to reach this point.

His wife and son were in the stands watching him compete. He was teary-eyed as he later joined them to celebrate the win. However, his individual events did not go as planned.

Dressel failed to defend his titles in the 100-meter butterfly and 50-meter freestyle events. In the 50-meter freestyle final, he placed sixth with a time of 21.61 seconds. This was more than .35 seconds behind Australia’s Cameron McEvoy, who took gold.

Less than an hour later, he was knocked out in the semi-finals of the men’s 100-meter butterfly. He finished fifth with a time of 51.57 seconds, over a second behind France’s Maxime Grousset’s winning time.

These results were disappointing for Dressel, who had previously set an Olympic and world record in the 100-meter butterfly at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. His 2024 times were far from his best, and the pressure of the games was evident in his performance.

“It was very obviously not my best work,” Dressel admitted after the races. “It hasn’t been my best week.”

After his disappointing finishes, Dressel’s emotions were on full display. He was seen crying on the pool deck, a moment that captured the heartbreak he faced when he didn’t meet his high expectations.

Dressel gave someone a long hug and was filmed wiping his eyes, which were red from crying. This raw display of emotion showed the intense pressure and personal stakes involved in competing at such a high level.

Social Media Backlash

Following his performances at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Dressel faced a wave of criticism on social media. Fans who had once praised him for his incredible achievements expressed their disappointment openly.

Many questioned his readiness and dedication, particularly noting his time away from the sport. Comments on platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter) were harsh.

One user wrote, “Dressel has not looked himself recently – you can’t take a year off and expect to – but he swam poorly. Got caught between strokes at the finish and finished sixth. Just not a good swim.”

Others were more blunt, with one remarking, “Dressel is washed. This whole swim team needs [an] overhaul.”

Another criticized, “Pretty disappointed in Caeleb Dressel, you can’t stay up all night watching a TV show during an Olympic Games, just shows he’s not ‘that guy.’ If I was Team USA, I’d pull him from the relay today to send a message.”

These comments reflected a sentiment that Dressel’s time at the top might be over, and some fans were quick to express their frustrations. However, not all reactions were negative.

A significant number of fans and fellow athletes defended Dressel. Some emphasized the immense pressure Olympians face and highlighted his past accomplishments.

One supportive fan wrote, “He may be past his prime, but if he’s still one of the best the USA has, then he deserves to be there competing. It’s not like he unfairly took someone else’s spot! And it’s not his fault that the US can’t churn out a new generation of top swimming talent.”

Another fan commented, “Cheers [to] the coach who helped get Caeleb Dressel to some privacy. Disappointment is hard. I hope he knows how much the US is still SO proud of him.”

These supportive messages highlighted that while Dressel’s recent performances were not up to his usual standard, his contributions to the sport were still deeply respected.

Dressel’s honesty about his struggles also garnered empathy. “So sad to see the tears from Caeleb Dressel. These athletes work so hard for these moments and it has to be devastating to not bring your best when it matters the most,” one fan noted.

Dressel’s Perspective and Future Outlook

Dressel has always been open about the pressures of competing at the highest level. His experiences at the 2024 Paris Olympics were no different. Reflecting on his performance, Dressel acknowledged the difficulties he faced.

He admitted that dealing with the mental side of the sport has been a significant challenge. Over the past two years, he has been seeing a therapist regularly, which has helped him manage the pressures and maintain a healthier mindset.

Limiting his social media engagement has also been a crucial part of his strategy. Dressel resisted the temptation to engage deeply with social media, understanding that it could negatively impact his mental health. Instead, he focused on his training, his family, and his life outside the pool.

Looking ahead, Dressel remains optimistic about his future in swimming and beyond. Living on a farm in Micanopy, Florida, with his wife Meghan, and their baby boy, August, provides him with a peaceful retreat from the pressures of competitive sports.

The couple enjoys a simple life with their five cows and eight chickens, and Dressel often speaks fondly of Meghan’s cooking. This balanced lifestyle helps him stay grounded and maintain a healthy perspective.

Dressel has learned to find joy in the little things and appreciates the support of his family and friends. “I don’t see myself being able to step away from the water or get a job where I don’t hear the water, smell the water, get splashed by it. I need to be around the water,” he stated.

Despite the recent setbacks, Dressel’s legacy as one of the greatest American sprinters is secure. His achievements and the way he has handled wins and losses serve as an inspiration to many.

As he moves forward, Dressel aims to balance his professional ambitions with his well-being, ensuring that he can enjoy a fulfilling and happy life.