Dressel Has Sights Set On Rival Chalmers At Gwangju
Muhammad Rameez Published July 19, 2019 | 04:58 PM
American Caeleb Dressel said Friday he was not aiming to top the remarkable seven world titles he bagged two years ago but was focused on overcoming rival Kyle Chalmers in the 100 meters freestyle in Gwangju
Gwangju, South Korea, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Jul, 2019 ) :American Caeleb Dressel said Friday he was not aiming to top the remarkable seven world titles he bagged two years ago but was focused on overcoming rival Kyle Chalmers in the 100 meters freestyle in Gwangju.
Dressel, US swimming's new golden boy, took home seven golds in Budapest but will face fierce competition in the men's blue riband race from Olympic champion Chalmers.
Chalmers is in blistering form after clocking 47.35 seconds in qualification -- almost half a second quicker than his winning time in the 2016 Rio final.
"I'm not super worried about counting medals or just because I got seven last time, it means I have to do eight. It's really just about getting my hand on the wall first," Dressel said.
"He (Chalmers) is a great competitor, I look forward to racing him, he swims a smart 100 free," he added, describing the Australian as "a good friend".
Despite pipping Dressel to the 100m freestyle title at the Pan Pacific championships last year, Chalmers described himself as the underdog in Gwangju and said he was happy for all eyes to be on the US swimmer.
"The more pressure the Americans put on him, the better. It doesn't really worry me," the 21-year-old told Australian media.
"To me, he's just another swimmer.
I don't really take in who my competitors are or been hugely involved in swimming in that regard." Both swimmers will have one eye on Brazilian Cesar Cielo's 10-year-old world record of 46.91sec.
But 22-year-old Dressel appeared relaxed and confident on Friday, saying "there's really positive vibes going around everybody".
"I'm around good friends and I do enjoy these champs a lot. I've got cards and plenty of other distractions." Asked whether he could surpass Cielo's record, he said: "I don't know, there's a lot of other factors that are out of my control. I'm going to swim the smartest race that I can but I'm not in control of the times that show up on the scoreboard." Much to his dislike, Dressel has drawn lofty comparisons with US swim legend Michael Phelps after he matched his compatriot's record seven golds in Budapest -- becoming only the second swimmer to do so at a single long course world championships.
And despite losing out in the freestyle at the Pan Pacifics, he secured victory in the 100m butterfly, powering to victory in a tournament-best 50.75.
Dressel's mind was also on a possible relay spot as the American team battle it out for the four places.
"What a privilege to be in that spot and you do want to be part of that history that the USA has been so dominant with."
Recent Stories
3 Gawadar attack victims funeral offered
Mbappe says he will leave PSG at end of season
Usmani felicitates Sardar Saleem on taking oath as Punjab Governor
DC for provision of facilities to people in Lasbela
Solar storm could bring auroras, power and telecoms disruptions
Court grants interim bail to PTI leaders
Ulema, Mashaykh call for political accountability, collaboration for Pakistan's ..
SHRC asks NADRA to issue CNICs to transgender as per law
Flash floods kill 50 in one day in north Afghanistan
CDA chief expresses commitment to promoting modern-day technologies
By wide margin, UN General Assembly votes to back Palestinian bid for membership ..
Musadik slams PTI's political approach as provocative
More Stories From Sports
-
Mbappe says he will leave PSG at end of season
8 hours ago -
Shakib claims four as Bangladesh edge Zimbabwe
9 hours ago -
Austria's Grand Slam winner Thiem to retire at end of season
9 hours ago -
Central Asian Volleyball C'ship trophy unveiled
12 hours ago -
Two-day ‘Commissioner Tent Pegging festival’ to start on May 11
12 hours ago -
Cricket: Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe 4th T20 International
12 hours ago
-
Olympiakos make history by reaching Europa Conference League final
12 hours ago -
Tamasha to livestream ICC men's T20 World Cup 2024
14 hours ago -
Pakistan and Japan Final clash in Azlan Shah Hockey Cup 2024 on Saturday
14 hours ago -
Pakistan-New Zealand match ends in 1-1 draw
15 hours ago -
CAF Confederation Cup final set for Morocco amid drama
20 hours ago -
Sanchez escapes through dust and gravel for nervy Giro triumph
1 day ago