Hungarian swimmer Kristof Milak warns American Caeleb Dressel before the 100m butterfly

TOKYO – Hungarian Kristof Milak has warned American Caeleb Dressel that he will catch him in the 100m butterfly and dominate the event in both distances.

Milak, the 200m winner in Tokyo, came just 0.23 seconds behind Dressel to win the Olympic silver medal, as the American broke his own world record.

“A lot of people have told me I can’t catch Dressel, it’s impossible, they said, but now in this race I see there is a possibility,” Milak told reporters.

“Now I can set myself a realistic goal to win the race at the world championships or the next Olympics,” he said.

Before the race, Dressel held seven of the 10 best times in the history of the event, but was pushed to the end by the 21-year-old Hungarian.

“It was the maximum I could give. I’m glad Caeleb needed a world record to beat me, ”said Milak.

Dressel did not dispute his rival’s assessment and there is clearly a healthy respect between the two.

“It was extremely close. Kristof swam a magnificent race and it took a world record to win the Olympic final. And I don’t think it happens so often at the Olympics. To have two of the fastest times in history is incredible, ”he said.

“Doing that with them right next to me in lane 5 is really special. I think it was really fun to watch and I have a lot of respect for Kristof, ”he said.

The Hungarian said he used the extra year after the Tokyo 2020 Olympics were delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic to gain weight and strengthen his muscles, giving him a better chance to face the imposing Dressel.

“I remember that at the World Championships in Budapest (in 2017) his wave just blew me away,” said Milak.

“I’m stronger and heavier than four years ago so I could follow him,” said the 21-year-old. “For me this last year has been an advantage because I have become more athletic and stronger.”

Milak’s attempt to set a new world record in his victory in the 200 butterflies was hampered by a loss of concentration after tearing his trunk before the race and having to make a hasty change in the locker room.

While he didn’t look thrilled with his gold medal, he was surprisingly optimistic after finishing second, clearly encouraged by his progress in the hunt for Dressel.

The American, who won three gold medals in Tokyo, certainly takes the threat seriously.