Michael Andrew and his family have spent the last few months since his Tirade against the 11-12 age group record books ended at home, focusing on training and enjoying some relaxation out of the spotlight. there have been a few meets here-and-there, but nothing headline worthy.
But it didn’t take long to jump right back in, though, at the Sectional meet in Columbia, Missouri.
On Saturday morning, he was happy just to get scratched into the C final as a 13-year old, alongside another swimmer in his age group Noah Reid.
But in the evening, he kicked his speed up to a new level, and with a 24.45 actually won that C final. That’s the fastest time by an American 13-14 in 2012, and puts him 14th on the all-time list.
All of that just a few months into the age group.
The overall event was won by another great swim: Nicholas McCarthy swam a 23.31. But he’s a whole lot older at 20 years old.
On the women’s side of the meet, Missouri’s Rachel Ripley had a great session. She first won the women’s 200 IM in 2:18.71, and came back shortly after to take the 50 free in 26.42, ahead of Lauren Votava (26.48).
You stated “there have been a few meets here-and-there”— he competed June 1, June 15, June 22, July 5, July 14, and now this weekend! He’s competed in six out of the last eight weekends. In my book, that’s more than a “few”!
I thought the article was interesting as well as it related to “taking some time off”. After seeing his times on the USA website, this kid has at least 4 pages of times for a season versus most other kids. It’s evident that with all the publicity that this family is generating that you only hope it doesn’t affect his sister, oh yeah, he has a sister. This is a recipe for disaster.
How tall is Michael Andrew?
Don’t have a current measurement, but saw him in Omaha and I was still taller than him. So maybe 6’2 or 6’3.
Kyle Chalmers in Australia went 24 flat back in April as a 13 yr old probably something for Andrews’ to aim for.
The 13/14 NAG record in the 50 free is 23.50 by Caeleb Dressel who is one of the most promising american sprinters. He has made it last year at the junior national championships. Michael Andrew has much time to break it.
This younster is going to be a huge swimmer , i feel that !
Is that Drury’s Nick McCarthy?
I believe it is.
Its a Long Course Meet?24.45 for a 13 year-old is FANTASTIC in 50LCM.
That’s a great swim! It is also the fastest time for a 13 year old over the past 12 years! Next on the list for 13 year olds was Shayne Fleming (DACA-PC 24.72 2005) and Caeleb Dressel (SPAC-FL 24.82 2010). (Fleming swam a 22.35 at the OTT this year as a 20 year old)
There is an oficial USA list of AGE group records(in long course meters, not yards)?
For anyone who wants to do a comparison, all Cielo top times are below(ignore the last 100 free time, the correct is 48.28 not 48.38 from Maria Lenk):
http://globoesporte.globo.com/olimpiadas/noticia/2012/07/testando-seu-limite-desde-os-11-anos-cielo-diz-estar-longe-dele-na-piscina.html
Note: This year, his 25.16 and 55.66 was easily beaten by Felipe Ribeiro de Souza with 24.71 and 53.49.He is only 14 years-old.