USA soar to second successive 4x100 metres freestyle title as Dressel bags more gold

Caeleb Dressel earned his eighth career Olympic gold medal, anchoring the U.S. team to victory in the 4x100 meters freestyle relay on July 27, marking the first gold for the U.S. at the Paris Games.

The U.S. team, composed of Jack Alexy, Chris Giuliano, Hunter Armstrong, and Dressel, clocked in at three minutes 09.28 seconds, beating Australia by 1.07 seconds to claim their second consecutive Olympic title in the event. Italy took the bronze, while China finished just outside the medals in fourth place.

Matt King and Ryan Held, who swam in the morning heats, were replaced by Alexy and Giuliano for the final but will also receive gold medals for their contributions.

Dressel, who previously won five golds in Tokyo 2021 and two in Rio de Janeiro 2016, added another gold to his impressive tally in a thrilling final race at the La Defense Arena. The U.S. team's performance capped off an electrifying opening night of the swimming events.