The classy moment that puts swimming scandal to shame

American Caeleb Dressel almost set a world record in the 100m freestyle at the world championships on Thursday, saying he could not have done it without being pushed to the very end by his Australian rival Kyle Chalmers.

Dressel successfully defended his title, holding off Chalmers by 0.12 seconds for his third gold medal of the championships, but he said afterwards that he considered the Australian a better swimmer over 100m.

Dressel used a faster reaction time off the blocks and his renowned early speed to open a substantial half-second advantage at the turn, but barely held off a fast-finishing Chalmers over the final 50m.

In a classy aftermath to put the fiery swimming scandal involving Sun Yang to shame, Dressel and Chalmers lifted arms together and later paid tribute to the other – setting the stage for an intense but friendly rivalry at the 2020 Olympics.

"I respect the crap out of him and what he's done," the American said of Chalmers.

"I consider him a better 100 freestyler, so I look up to him in that aspect.

"I barely edged him. He's a heck of a racer. I could not have done that without him right next to me."

Chalmers himself got caught up in the drama between Sun and Australian teammate Mack Horton when he was pictured shaking the Chinese swimmer’s hand following a semi-final.

But the 2016 Olympic champion put it all to one side as he focused on his favoured race.

Chalmers, who was gaining on Dressel with every stroke late in the 100m final, clocked a personal best 47.08, significantly faster than his gold-winning time three years ago.

"I gave it my absolute all tonight. I could't really believe it (PB time) when I saw that and to see Caeleb go 46.9 is absolutely mind blowing," he said.

The Australian said the loss had already put a fire in his belly for Tokyo 2020.

"I think it does. We both swam pretty well tonight. We've had three good results now - Olympics, Pan Pacs and now worlds," Chalmers said.

"I enjoy racing against him. He is an unbelievable athlete, a great guy and I love being able to compete against the best guys in the world.

"At the moment he is that guy. It is about resetting and putting as much effort as I can into the next 12 months to challenge him for that gold medal and defending my title."

Dressel downplayed any suggestion that the pair had a cat-and-mouse rivalry, instead saying they both swam to their strengths.

"We just have different strategies," said the 22-year-old from Florida.

"I think I've got more speed on him in that aspect of that sprint twitch. He goes up to the 200. I don't really do that."

With the rivalry set to continue at next year's Olympics, Dressel knows he cannot rest on his laurels.

"I know I have to keep working because he's going to be better no matter what time I go, and I know that," said Dressel.

with agencies