Known for exceptional speed and skill, we wanted to take a closer look at what drives elite athlete Caeleb Dressel.
A lot of top athletes follow rituals before big events for good luck, and Caeleb Dressel is no different. One habit that’s stuck with him since he was a kid is always leaving the strings of his tech suits hanging out, "I used to not even tie my strings as a kid, so I’m making progress”. This small ritual is something he’s never changed, and it seems to have worked for him up until now. Speedo tech suit strings = the ultimate winning mascot.
A winner since 4
Caeleb believes it was his father who first taught him to swim, although his memory is a bit fuzzy. He remembers crying the first time he was taught the butterfly stroke – luckily that’s not the case anymore. Despite exploring lots of different sports growing up, the individuality of swimming is what got him hooked.
A standout moment in his early swimming career came unexpectedly when he was just four years old. Not entered in a swim meet intended for his older sister, he jumped in the pool, swam 25 yards, and triumphantly declared, "I won, I won." This moment spurred his parents to enroll him in swimming properly.
Mental strength and training
For Caeleb, swimming is more than just a sport; it’s a constant challenge and a quest for self-improvement. He says, "I enjoy the challenge swimming offers every day in practice and try to hone in on ways to perfect that movement through technique.” This dedication to refining his craft and pushing the limits is evident in his rigorous training and unwavering focus.
Mental toughness is something Caeleb has demonstrated throughout his career. He believes in outworking his teammates and never letting self-doubt take hold, "Just don’t let your mind play tricks on you. Don’t let self-doubt answer for you". This mindset is a key element of his approach to both training and competition.
Caeleb's training extends beyond swimming. He participates in other sports like baseball, volleyball, and basketball, which he believes provide significant mental benefits despite the energy it takes to keep up with them. His training regimen also includes lifting weights and conditioning, focusing on overall strength and explosiveness.
Outside the pool, Caeleb collects Pokémon cards, plays pickleball, and enjoys hiking. He also supports the Mac Crutchfield Foundation and likes a night in watching Gilmore Girls on Netflix. Who doesn’t.
Fuelling his races
While he doesn’t follow a strict diet, he does aims to balance carbs and protein, with heavier carbs earlier in the day and protein-rich dinners. He avoids racing on a full stomach, preferring snacks and water to maintain his energy without feeling weighed down.
Caeleb’s favorite meal? A classic cheeseburger paired with a Coors Banquet beer. He also loves red meat, seafood, and snacks like peanut butter pretzels as well as key lime pie, lemon squares, and peanut butter balls.
Caeleb Dressel’s path to success is a blend of hard work, the strength of family, and a fervent passion for refining his craft. His commitment and mental strength highlight his status as a swimming champion and an inspiration to anyone striving for greatness in the sport.
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