Caeleb Dressel exclusive: “I feel like I have imposter syndrome"
In an exclusive interview with Olympics.com at Paris 2024, the USA Swimming star reveals why he never feels comfortable with his elite status, and his thoughts on participating at LA 2028.
Swimming
Caeleb Dressel’s resume proves he is one of the greatest swimmers ever, but he still feels like an imposter.
Despite winning nine Olympic gold medals across three Games, holding World Records, securing 15 long course world titles (including a record seven wins at the 2017 Worlds) and plenty of other medals to date, there is a voice that undermines these achievements.
Perhaps this is due to unwanted comparisons with Michael Phelps, or the constant feeling that the next U.S. prodigy is about to dethrone him.
This feeling is perhaps part of the reason behind his success - always keeping him sharp - but also means that he competes with gratitude and humility.
“Every Games I feel like I have imposter syndrome that I don't deserve to be here,” Dressel told Olympics.com.
“It helps to think that you’ve done your part of getting through Trials where you were top two in your event, but I still get the feeling of the names that have come before me and the names that will come after me and the names I'm currently competing against. So, yeah, I'm just happy to be a member of the team.”
The Florida native's mental health issues have been well-documented over the past Olympic cycle.
After winning five Olympic golds at Tokyo 2020 - including three individual titles - he was mentally and physically exhausted.
As a result, he didn't compete at the next three world championships, making his two golds and a silver in the relays - all the more impressive.
“I don't know if I would I would rank any of my medals,” he continued.
“The first medal ever in Rio and the first individual in Tokyo were both pretty special.
“But I'm also proud of myself and how I handled myself throughout these games, and it wasn't easy. This whole year, the comeback, the training. I didn't get exactly the results I wanted individually to be honest. But it's just what comes with the sport. So these medals mean a lot to me too, just with the journey back that it was.”
While the individual results didn’t go Dressel’s way, it speaks volumes of his maturity as an athlete that he was able to refoccuss his energy on the relays, playing a vital part in Team USA’s success.
“The highs and the lows, you have to be able to dial it back. You have to get ready for the next race,” he said.
“So when I missed the 100 fly final, I knew I had a relay coming up in two days, so went right to the warm down pool, and then got some good sleep. And then the next day, try to take care of myself.
“So, yeah, you're constantly just dialling it up and then dialling back because you have to conserve energy throughout the nine days that you're competing.”
Caeleb Dressel: Fatherhood makes 'medals seem less serious'
Instead of competing at the 2024 World Championships in Doha, Dressel focussed on his own Olympic preparation and the well-being of his family, having become a father in February 2024.
This step into fatherhood was key in developing a new life outlook for the butterfly and freestyle specialist.
While his desire to win burned brighter than ever, he had a new perspective on what his achievements in the water meant.
“These [Paris 2024] medals seem a lot less serious. Competing just doesn't seem as important,” Dressel said of being a parent-athlete.
“But having him in the stands was really special. Getting to hold him. Just bringing him to the pool and showing him the part of my life that I've had for 22 years.”
However, having experienced the highs and lows of being an elite swimmer, Dressel is wary of his son, August, following in those footsteps.
“I don't even know if I want him to swim, I kind of want him to play baseball! So we'll see what he ends up doing.”
Caeleb Dressel celebrates with his family after a race at Paris 2024.
Dressel to compete at LA 2028 Olympics?
Training for and competing in an Olympic Games takes unbelievable dedication and sacrifice. Dressel knows it all to well.
But, as with every U.S. athlete, the lure of competing in a home Games at LA 2028 could be too much to turn down.
While the 28-year-old certainly hasn’t ruled the possibility out, perhaps focussing on the shorter freestyle sprint, no decision has been made yet.
“I kind of shiver thinking about trying to compete in another Games right now as it takes a lot out of you!” he admitted.
“But I would love to compete in front of a home crowd. That's always been my dream for any major competition. I've never had that opportunity, so I'm not sure where I'll be four years down the road, but I'll either be in the stands or behind the block.”
From a sprightly 19-year-old competing alongside Phelps at Rio 2016, to a multiple Olympic gold medal-winning father at Paris 2024, Dressel’s motivation has certainly changed over the years.
Given everything he has been through since Tokyo 2020, his new outlook is to live in the moment and retain the fun in competing.
“[Motivation] is where kind of becomes tough. There's things I've done in the sport that I never thought it would be possible for me,” he said.
“So I'm just still trying to have fun with it. I'm not sure how many goals I really want to set. I'm just trying to have fun, do my part on relays and individually. Just go in there and have a good dance with the water every time.”