Maxime Grousset Shatters Caeleb Dressel's US Open Record in the 50 Butterfly
The 2026 PRO SWIM SERIES in Austin witnessed a thrilling moment as Maxime Grousset broke Caeleb Dressel's US Open record in the 50 butterfly, clocking an impressive 22.81 seconds. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Grousset's career, as he becomes the new benchmark in this event.
Grousset's performance during the semifinals was nothing short of extraordinary. He not only set a new US Open record but also showcased his exceptional swimming skills, leaving his competitors in awe. The previous record, held by Caeleb Dressel, stood at 22.84 seconds, which Grousset surpassed by a mere 0.03 seconds.
The French swimmer's dominance continued as he qualified for the final with the top seed, leading by over half a second. This margin of victory highlights his superior technique and endurance, making him a formidable contender for the gold medal.
In a recent interview with SwimSwam, Grousset expressed his ambition to beat Caeleb Dressel's time, specifically targeting the 100 fly. And he delivered, achieving this feat in the 50 butterfly event. Dressel, who finished third with a time of 23.50, couldn't match Grousset's performance.
Grousset's success is not limited to the 50 butterfly. He holds the French National Record in the same event, having swum a remarkable 22.48 seconds at the 2025 World Championships in Singapore, where he claimed the gold medal. During the semifinals in Singapore, he further demonstrated his prowess with a time of 22.61 seconds.
This victory not only solidifies Grousset's position as a top swimmer but also opens up new possibilities for his future achievements. As he continues to break records and showcase his talent, the swimming world eagerly anticipates his future endeavors.