Caeleb Dressel wins his 8th gold medal as a pillar of the American relay team

Sports

An emotional Dressel raised both fists in the air in triumph and joy before even stepping forward to accept the final gold medal placed around his neck.

By JANIE McCAULEY, Associated Press

July 27, 2024 | 6:03 p.m.

NANTERRE, France (AP) — Caeleb Dressel touched the wall and shouted in triumph. He pumped his fists in the air and waved to American fans as he lapped the track. Then, finally, he was reunited with his family and gave hugs and kisses to his wife and baby boy.

Dressel has only known the summit of an Olympic podium during a decorated career.

As a veteran of a young U.S. men’s swim team, Dressel added another relay victory to his long list Saturday night, anchoring the winning 4×100-meter freestyle team as the Americans beat their Australian rivals and scrutinized the Chinese.

“The relays are a little more special to be honest,” Dressel said. “So doing it with those guys was awesome. It reminds me of my first gold medal. I can’t get enough of it. It’s really special to stand on the podium with those guys watching the flag go up. I’m extremely proud of them. It made it easier for me.”

An emotional Dressel pumped both fists in the air in triumph and joy before he stood to accept the final gold medal placed around his neck. He hugged teammate Hunter Armstrong after Armstrong swam the fastest leg to give Dressel some breathing room to get home, then Dressel raised his arm to chants of “USA!”

He now has eight gold medals, including five in relay events, which gives him plenty to celebrate less than a month before his 28th birthday on August 16.

The Americans took a lap around the Paris La Défense Arena offering high-fives and hugs.

And Dressel quickly made his way over to his wife Meghan and 5-month-old son, August Wilder, finally spotting them and rushing in for a hug and kiss before scooping the baby in oversized headphones into his arms.

“It’s really special. To be on the team in front of him and then win a gold medal in front of him, it’s just checking off little boxes that I never thought I would check off in my career,” Dressel said. “So it was really special tonight.”

Dressel will still be looking to defend his gold medals from the Tokyo Olympics in the 100m butterfly and 50m freestyle. He also won the 100m three years ago and the 4x100m medley. Dressel also won gold in both relays in Rio de Janeiro eight years ago.