Jul 31, 2021 - Sports

U.S. swimmer Caeleb Dressel wins 50-meter freestyle final, sets new Olympic record

Erin Doherty

Caeleb Dressel of Team Unites States in action during the men's 100m butterfluy final at Tokyo Aquatics Centre on July 31, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan — Caeleb Dressel during the men's 100m butterfly final at Tokyo Aquatics Centre on July 31, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Photo: Xavier Laine/Getty Images

American swimmer Caeleb Dressel won gold and set an Olympic record in the men's 50-meter freestyle on Saturday, beating his own world record that he set in 2020.

Details: Dressel didn't take a breath while in the pool to win the race in 21.07 seconds. France's Florent Manaudou won the silver medal, and Brazil’s Bruno Fratus bagged the bronze.

The big picture: Dressel previously won gold in the men's 100-meter butterfly, 100-meter freestyle and 4x100-meter medley relay in Tokyo.

He also broke the world record in the men's 100-meter butterfly final on Friday.
Dressel had two gold medals going into the Tokyo Olympics.

Go deeper: Full Axios Olympics coverage

Editor's note: This article has been updated to include Dressel's Olympic record time, the fact he held his breath while in the pool and to note the silver and bronze medal winners.

Add Axios on Google

U.S. swimmer Caeleb Dressel wins 50-meter freestyle final, sets new Olympic record

What to read next