The United States men’s 4×100-meter freestyle relay team, featuring two first-time Olympians and anchored by veteran Caeleb Dressel, reclaimed gold in Paris on Saturday with a time of 3:09.28. This victory, though not a world record, reasserted the U.S. dominance in an event they have largely controlled for the past decade.

New Stars and Veteran Leadership

Leadoff swimmer Jack Alexy and Chris Guiliano, who swam the second leg, are both 21 and entering their senior years in college—Alexy at Cal Berkeley and Guiliano at Notre Dame. Hunter Armstrong, 23, swam the third leg and already has a gold medal from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Caeleb Dressel, the anchor, added this gold to his collection, bringing his total to eight Olympic gold medals.

The Race Breakdown

The Americans faced strong competition, particularly from China. After Alexy’s initial leg (47.67), which placed the U.S. in second behind China’s Pan Zhanle (46.92), Guiliano’s strong performance (47.33) caught China’s Ji Xinjie, and Armstrong’s blistering 46.75 secured the lead. Dressel, despite having the eighth-fastest time in the final (47.53), maintained the lead extended by Armstrong to clinch the victory over Australia’s Kyle Chalmers.

Overcoming Past Challenges

The victory marked a comeback from a third-place finish at the 2023 World Championships. The team composition was a critical factor, with Dressel, Alexy, Guiliano, and Armstrong securing their spots at the Olympic Trials with all sub-48 second times. Cullen Jones, a member of the legendary 2008 U.S. team, had speculated that this team might break the world record, but the focus remained on winning gold.

Dressel’s Continued Legacy

Dressel’s return to form was pivotal. Absent from the 2023 World Championships, he was back in top shape, motivated by the birth of his son, August Wilder Dressel, in February. His rivalry with Chalmers, which has seen them exchange gold and silver medals, added an extra layer of excitement to the race.

Celebrations and Future Prospects

Following the victory, Meghan Dressel was seen celebrating with Snoop Dogg, while their son August slept. The blend of youth and experience in this team suggests a bright future for U.S. men’s swimming, with the potential for continued dominance in upcoming competitions.