United States swimmer and Olympic medalist, Caeleb Dressel, has won five gold medals at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics. He broke various world records including his own. He revealed that what keeps him going is his desire to inspire people and show them the talent God has given him.
In 49.45 seconds, the 24-year-old swimmer finished the 100-meter butterfly. Also, he broke his world record by .05. He achieved this feat two days after he set an American record in the 100-meter freestyle. Likewise, he participated in the 50-meter freestyle semifinals.
While speaking with reporters after the race, the Floridian said, "It's a really tough year, just really hard, so to have the results show up, I mean, it really came together, so I'm happy."
Dressel is known to express his Christian faith publicly. He stated that his faith gives him a push to continue with what he knows how to do best. The Olympian has a large eagle tattoo from his left shoulder down his wrist which is an expression of one of the Bible verses he likes – Isaiah 40:31 which says, "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
In an interview with Baptist Standard after the U.S Nationals, Dressel revealed the reason he chose to pursue his talent. In his words,
"It's the reason I'm in the sport — not just to go fast times, but to inspire people and show them where I find my happiness with what God's given me."
Although he grew up in a Christian home, Dressel stated that his faith increased when he was studying at the University of Florida and attended church in Gainesville.
At a time, Dressel put his swimming on hold because he no longer had the zeal for it. However, he went back to the sport having developed more hope and faith in the Holy Spirit.
"Coming out of that, I started swimming again and really just put all my trust in God and knowing that He's going to take care of everything for me, good or bad. I really learned a lot, and I really learned to see the light at the end of the tunnel and trust what God is doing, whether it be a rough point in your life or a top pinnacle in your life. You've just got to take pauses and really trust what He's doing," he informed the Baptist Standard in 2016.
After the reign of Michael Phelps, many persons consider Dressel as the best male swimmer in the world. This gives him the satisfaction he had desired in the game. Nevertheless, Dressel said that he doesn’t allow his achievements to get to his head. He simply pats himself on the back, goes home, and puts away the feeling of his achievements. Then, he moves forward.
Post a Comment