Ledecky, new wave of men roll on
Kalisz, Dressel step in to fill big shoes, don’t miss a beat
BUDAPEST, Hungary — On a night when Katie Ledecky returned to a more familiar spot — the top rung of the medal podium — the U.S. men’s team began passing the torch to a new generation at the world championships.
Step aside, Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte. You’ve got a worthy successor in Chase Kalisz.
Sorry, Nathan Adrian. It’s Caeleb Dressel’s time to shine. Kalisz extended American dominance in the 200-meter individual medley Thursday with a bit of Olympic redemption, ably filling the void left by Phelps’ retirement and Lochte’s absence.
“Big congrats to my little bro!!!” Phelps wrote on Instagram to his former training partner at the North Baltimore Aquatic Club. “Love ya dude!!!”
Dressel, 20, put the U.S. back on top in swimming’s glamour event, pulling away to a dominating win in the 100 freestyle while Adrian gladly settled for the silver.
Ledecky earned her fourth gold of the championships by anchoring the U.S. in the 4x200 freestyle relay, taking over with a slight lead before powering away to win by a full body length.
About 24 hours after settling for silver in the 200, Ledecky returned to form on a team that included Leah Smith of Mt. Lebanon, Mallory Comerford and Melanie Margalis.
“I knew I would have a big race,” said Ledecky, who now has 13 golds in the world championship career, along with that lone silver. “I had an off day yesterday. It happens. You just try to bounce back as best you can from it and move forward.”
The U.S. was just 0.13 seconds ahead when Ledecky took over for Margalis. The Americans finished in 7 minutes, 43.39 seconds with a comfortable 1.57 margin over China.
“Diving in when our anchor is a multitime worldrecord holder just gives you the most confidence you can have,” said Smith, who led off.