Michael Andrew Scorches 50 Free Heats With Fifth Fastest Time In the World
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Michael Andrew has been on fire this week in Irvine, already winning three total events. Andrew could add a fourth win of the meet if he can hold on in the 50 free. Andrew blasted a 21.64 in the 50 free heats to move up to fifth in the world rankings for 2018. It is a new best time for Andrew as he has been on fire this week in Irvine.
Andrew is ahead of Caeleb Dressel (21.89) as those two were the only swimmers under 22 seconds in the heats. Dressel is already on the Pan Pac team after he won the 100 fly on Friday night.
Nathan Adrian (22.10) and Zach Apple (22.10) are already on the team after their finishes in the 100 free on Wednesday night so they have nothing to lose in the 50 free final.
Michael Jensen (22.03), Robert Howard (22.17), Michael Chadwick (22.30) and Kyle DeCoursey (22.40) all have not made the team yet and will be fighting to get on the plane to Japan in the 50 free final.
2018 World Rankings:
- Ben Proud, GBR, 21.16
- Bruno Fratus, BRA, 21.35
- Pawel Juraszek, POL, 21.45
- Vladimir Morozov, RUS, 21.47
- Michael Andrew, USA, 21.64
- Kristian Gkolomeev, GRE, 21.66
- Andrea Vergani, ITA, 21.70
- Brad Tandy, RSA, 21.78