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Andrew Hits 21.75 50 Free To Smash Another Junior World Record

6TH FINA WORLD JUNIOR SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Not too long after shattering the junior world record in the 50 back in a time of 24.63, Michael Andrew was back at it in the 50 free blazing his way to his second record of the morning in a time of 21.75.

That swim breaks the previous mark of 22.00, set by China’s Yu Hexin back in 2014, and also lowers the meet record of 22.11 set by Australia’s Luke Percy in 2013. Now the first 18-and-under swimmer under 22 seconds, Andrew is in good shape to improve on his silver medal performance from 2015 where Kyle Chalmers won gold.

His previous best time sat just above Yu’s old record at 22.03, done at the U.S. World Championship Trials earlier in the summer.

Of course pressure and many other variables play into a race like the 50 free, but looking at results from earlier in the summer, that time would’ve made an impact on the world stage. 21.75 would’ve been fast enough to qualify for the American World Championship team in the event, as Nathan Adrian was 2nd at Trials in 21.87, and also would’ve squeaked into the top-8 at the World Championships.

After winning bronze in the 100 breaststroke on day 2, Andrew will contest semi-finals in the 50 back and 50 free tonight before shooting for double gold tomorrow. He leads the 50 free field by 0.59 and the 50 back field by a whopping 0.86.

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Brad Jillow
7 years ago

Wow… Kid’s becoming a man.

marklewis
7 years ago

Michael Andrew looked speedy in that 50 back. His arms were whirling around at a fast rate.

He was a little slow off the start, but then he picked up speed quickly.

Aussie crawl
7 years ago

Hmmm this kid was coping a bagging yesterday on his decision to go pro.
With that time he can match it with the big boy’s at the wirld cups cluster 2.

Swimmer?
7 years ago

Wow, this was unexpected

Jon Nap
7 years ago

Race video?

Jon Nap
Reply to  Jon Nap
7 years ago

Found it, if you go back on the livestream you can see his races.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0t1LVGQsUPI

Uberfan
7 years ago

Why isn’t Caeleb Dressels 21.53 the wjr

Admin
Reply to  Uberfan
7 years ago

Because he turned 19 that year. FINA WJRs recognize age by year of birth, not day of birth.

IMs for days
7 years ago

This kids talent is undeniable, and it’s clear at this point he’s a sprinter. However, alot of it is still just raw talent. His technique his still awful and he really lacks any endurance, to the point he struggles with 100s. This kid is incredible, but it’s clear that if he dad gave it up and let an actual coach take him in he could be so much more than this.

Susan
Reply to  IMs for days
7 years ago

Agree, time for dad to step back, and time for him to move forward..with a team..he still dies in anything over a 50, and he fades in most 50s!! He is a remarkable talent

Swimnerd
7 years ago

For the record I’m always critical of Michael Andrew praise and criticism. We have to remember he’s essentially in a career binding contract with his father. One I would love to see him leave and have his father just enjoy watching his son swim and ease the tension of their results based relationship.
I will say that while I can understand the eye rolls from Citrics, those times today are big time swims on the world stage. Yes they are only 50s but at the end of the day you need speed for your 100s to be able to get out ahead/with the field. I do hope over the course of the next year they work on his aerobic… Read more »

Kathy
Reply to  Swimnerd
7 years ago

Just noting that his father has not been visible on the pool deck in Indy. Perhaps he isn’t even there. Maybe there is hope for this young man.

Catch22
Reply to  Kathy
7 years ago

He’s not one of the team coaches so he’s not going to be on deck. If he is there (and I’d find it hard to believe he isn’t) he has to be behind the scenes.

Ice age swimmer
Reply to  Kathy
7 years ago

I saw his dad sitting in the stands.

Tom from Chicago
Reply to  Swimnerd
7 years ago

Who are you, or anyone for that matter, to judge MA? I feel it is acceptable to judge PED drug cheats, especially like 2x PED drug cheat Efimova, who steal World and Olympic medals from innocent swimmers.

crooked donald
Reply to  Tom from Chicago
7 years ago

He’s a pro athlete. Comes with the territory. He’s lucky he’s not playing basketball.

About James Sutherland

James Sutherland

James swam five years at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario, specializing in the 200 free, back and IM. He finished up his collegiate swimming career in 2018, graduating with a bachelor's degree in economics. In 2019 he completed his graduate degree in sports journalism. Prior to going to Laurentian, James swam …

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