NEW COMMIT: The University of California – Berkeley has gained a new verbal commitment from Honolulu, Hawaii native Michael Petrides who will join the Golden Bears next fall. He was also Swimming World’s up-and-comer for December 2017.
Petrides swims year-round with Kamehameha Swim Club under head coach John Flanagan and is a four-time U.S. Open qualifier. He most recently competed at Nationals where he recorded a lifetime best in the 100m free after winning two events at the Hawaiian LCM Championships. He competed at Juniors West last winter where he was a three-time finalist, including a fourth-place showing in the 200 free.
Petrides also swims for Mid Pacific Institute and is a four-time Hawaii State champion. During his junior year, the NISCA and USA Swimming Scholastic All-American won the 100 free and 200 IM. He also won the 200 free and 500 free as a sophomore while placing second in both events during his rookie campaign.
He told Swimming World:
“I chose the university of California-Berkeley because of its exceptional ability to allow athletes to strive for their full potential both in and out of the water! The team atmosphere and camaraderie is truly incomparable. From the first moment I stepped on campus, I knew it was the place for me. #GoBears!!”
His best times include:
- 100 free – 44.36
- 200 free – 1:36.25
- 500 free – 4:20.07
- 100 back – 49.32
- 200 back – 1:48.24
- 100 fly – 49.44
- 200 IM – 1:48.73
Petrides will be the second in his family to join the Pac-12: his sister Maia Petrides is currently a sophomore at Washington State. He will add more depth to Cal’s mid-distance group as his best 200 and 500 free times would’ve scored in the B-final at last season’s Pac-12 Championships where the Golden Bears won the conference title.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
Fantastic Michael.. great choice..