Sporting JAX Aquatic Club, one of Northeast Florida’s premier competitive swimming programs, recently announced that Olympic gold medalist and world champion swimmer Caeleb Dressel will join the club as he trains for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Dressel, a Northeast Florida native, will reunite with one of his longtime coaches, Steve Jungbluth, at Sporting JAX, reigniting the partnership that propelled Dressel to both NCAA and world-record-breaking success.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest swimmers of all time, Dressel has amassed an astounding 10 Olympic medals, including nine golds. His resume features two victories in Rio (2016), five in Tokyo (2020), and two in Paris (2024), along with multiple World Championship titles and several world records.
“I’m incredibly excited to begin this next chapter with Sporting JAX,” said Dressel. “Northeast Florida was where I grew up, and being able to train here with Steve as we prepare for Los Angeles is truly special. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside this club’s athletes and families and to share my passion for swimming with the next generation.”
Dressel’s return is expected to bring momentum to Sporting JAX and further elevate Jacksonville’s sports community. In addition, families within the Sporting JAX program will have the unique opportunity to learn from his dedication, humility and leadership both in and out of the pool.
“Caeleb’s return to Northeast Florida is a moment of pride for our entire community,” said Jungbluth. “Sporting JAX is committed to supporting Caeleb in his drive towards world class excellence as he prepares for the 2028 Games. Additionally, his presence will enhance the overall competitiveness of the Sporting JAX Aquatic Club and elevate the level of excellence across our programs. Beyond the pool, Caeleb will bolster Jacksonville’s standing as a premier sports community, inspiring athletes throughout the region to push harder and aim higher.”
For more information about the Sporting JAX Aquatic Club, go to sportingjaxaquatics.com.
Sporting JAX Aquatic Club serves as the aquatic arm of Sporting Club Jacksonville (Sporting JAX), a bold, community-first sports organization established in 2020. Rooted in the spirit and pride of the First Coast, Sporting JAX is dedicated to empowering athletes through the unifying power of sport, promoting inclusive access to elite athletic development while supporting athletes of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.
As the swimming division of this expanding multisport club, Sporting JAX Aquatic Club is dedicated to developing top-tier swimmers while promoting a lifelong love for swimming. The Sporting JAX Aquatic Club partners with local Julington Creek Plantation, Planet Swim & Tennis Club and Mandarin High School for use of their facilities.
Beyond aquatics, Sporting JAX is spearheading efforts to transform Jacksonville into a national hub for soccer excellence, with its current women’s professional Gainbridge Super League club, the establishment of a men’s professional USL Championship club and a premier USL Youth Academy in Northeast Florida.
These initiatives are anchored by plans for a 15,000-capacity stadium and state-of-the-art training facilities, developed in cooperation with local city and county governments.
