In a stunning turn of events, Maxime Grousset has just shattered Caeleb Dressel's US Open record in the 50m butterfly! This is a huge deal, folks, and it's got the swimming world buzzing. Let's dive into the details of this incredible performance at the 2026 Pro Swim Series in Austin, Texas, held from January 14-17 at the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center, a 50-meter long course (LCM) pool.
Here's a quick rundown of what's been happening:
- Event: 2026 Pro Swim Series - Austin
- Dates: January 14-17, 2026
- Location: Austin, Texas
- Venue: Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center
- Pool: LCM (50 meters)
For those wanting a deeper dive, you can find the psych sheet, how to watch, and live results.
Key Records in the Men's 50m Butterfly:
- World Record: 22.27 - Andrii Govorov (Ukraine, 2018)
- World Junior Record: 22.96 - Diogo Matos Ribeiro (Portugal, 2022)
- American Record: 22.35 - Caeleb Dressel (2019)
- U.S. Open Record: 22.84 - Caeleb Dressel (2022)
- Pro Swim Series Record: 23.09 - Ilya Kharun (Canada, 2025)
The Semifinal Showdown
During the semifinals, Grousset clocked an astonishing 22.81 in the 50m butterfly. This incredible time not only secured him the top spot but also obliterated Dressel's previous U.S. Open record of 22.84, set back in 2022. It's a testament to Grousset's skill and determination, especially considering the high caliber of competition.
Here's how the top 8 qualifiers lined up for the final:
- Maxime Grousset (FRA) – 22.81
- Van Mathias (ISC) – 23.46
- Caeleb Dressel (SJAC) – 23.50
- Nikita Baez (FRA) – 23.56
- Finn Brooks (ISC) – 23.60
- Matt King (ISC) – 23.70
- Masahiro Kawane (MEI) – 23.80
- Luke Barr (TFA) – 24.02
Grousset's Dominance and Dressel's Performance
Grousset's performance puts him in a commanding position heading into the final. He's a clear favorite, leading the pack by a significant margin. But here's where it gets interesting: Dressel, the former record holder, finished third in the semifinals with a time of 23.50. This sets the stage for a potentially thrilling final, with Dressel looking to reclaim his glory.
A Glimpse into Grousset's Mindset
Before this race, Grousset had expressed his ambition to beat Dressel's time in the 100m butterfly. He achieved that goal in the 50m, showcasing his versatility and speed.
Grousset's Impressive Track Record
It's worth noting that Grousset is the French National Record holder in the 50m butterfly, with a blazing time of 22.48 achieved at the 2025 World Championships in Singapore, where he clinched the gold medal. He also swam a 22.61 in the semifinals in Singapore.
What do you think? Will Grousset continue his dominance in the final? Can Dressel make a comeback? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And don't forget to like and share this post with your fellow swimming enthusiasts!
