This week’s Performance Of The Week, sponsored by LumaLanes, goes to Michael Andrew, who had a strong week at the TYR Pro Swim Series in Columbus that was highlighted by a new personal best in the 50 free that currently ranks him #1 among Americans.
After a huge swim on Friday night where he went a personal best and became the second fastest American in the 100 fly so far this season, Andrew popped another best time in the 50 free during Saturday morning prelims. Hitting the wall in 21.69, he dropped .04 off of his lifetime best in the 50 after a solid string of 21-high swims during the Mare Nostrum Tour.
While he wasn’t able to improve on that time at night (he added .01 to finish in 21.70), his time of 21.69 makes him the fastest American so far in 2018 and puts him sixth in the world. Speaking before his swim after the 100 fly, Andrew stated that the 50 free has been his main focus in training this year and called Columbus the perfect “tune up” meet before heading to Nationals in just a few weeks (you can watch that interview here).
While Caeleb Dressel can comfortably be considered the favorite heading into Nationals after his record breaking NCAA season (and as the fastest ever performer in textile from last summer), Andrew is putting himself in a position to challenge for a podium spot and qualify for his first senior U.S. international team in the event. That is pretty significant, given that Andrew is still only 19-years old and competing in an event that is usually dominated by older, more experienced post-grads.
Congratulations Michael Andrew on earning Swimming World’s Performance of the Week!
Special Thanks to LumaLanes for sponsoring Swimming World’s Performance of the Week.
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Honored for the mention! Thank You LumaLanes, Swimming World