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How Fast Will Michael Andrew Swim at Olympic Trials?

Gold Medal Minute presented by SwimOutlet.comMichael Andrew turned a lot of heads at the Indy Pro Swim, dropping:

  • 58.6 – 100m breast
  • 50.8 – 100m fly
  • 1:56.8 – 200m IM

I was surprised. Frankly, I didn’t see Michael as the favorite in two events heading into U.S. Olympic Trials.  I think, like a lot of swimming fans, I was lulled into a bit of a sleep after after his 2020 ISL season.  I expected a little more from him last fall and winter. Now, in hindsight, that feels like a harsh judgment considering everyone reacted differently to the pandemic last year.

I am glad I was wrong. I’ve been a Michael Andrew fan since his age group days–back when everyone lost their minds over his turning pro at the tender age of 14.

2021 Michael Andrew U.S. Olympic Trials Predictions

As mentioned above, I wasn’t bullish on Michael Andrew making the Olympic Team. I thought he’d be on the bubble. I’m confident now. I think he’s making his first Olympic Team. I see him winning the 100m breast in 58.3, breaking the American record.

Will he make it in the 200 IM, 100 fly, or 50 free?

  • 1:55 point 9 – 200 IM – for 2nd or 3rd
  • 50 point 5 – 100 fly for 2nd, 3rd or 4th
  • 21 point 4 – 50 free for 2nd or 3rd

But who cares what I think. What do you think? Give me your best expert swimming analysis.

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This is a Gold Medal Media production presented by SwimOutlet.com. Host Gold Medal Mel Stewart is a 3-time Olympic medalist and the co-founder of SwimSwam.com, a Swimming News website.

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Mark Torres
3 years ago

Who is going to predict Dressel’s events. Does he go for the 2 Free/ 2 IM?

PVSFree
3 years ago

What’s he referring to about the family situation at the end of the video?

Hswimmer
Reply to  PVSFree
3 years ago

He moved into an apartment on his own

RUN-DMC
3 years ago

100 Breast: 58.3 in semis/ 58.4 in finals
200 IM: 1:56.2 This probably makes the team. Kalisz and Lochte have the potential of going faster than that. A 1:55.9 will definitely make the team.
50 Free: 21.58 for 3rd.

iubfr
3 years ago

I’d say mr anton chupkov has a stroke count that rivals michael’s

IMHO
3 years ago

Anyone else as nervous for him hypothetically being the breast leg on the 4 medley in Tokyo? Between him and Cordes… No team experience and a record of false-starting. Personally I’m hoping Andrew Wilson shows him up. Much more reliable.

Xman
Reply to  IMHO
3 years ago

It’s not as Michael hasn’t done relays. To be honest most of the relays at the Olympics don’t really have the quick exchanges they have at NCAA, they seem very careful and I think they are coached to do this.

1. Not to false start – loosing first place vs getting DQed not making the podium. Go with the first option.
2. In most cases the swimmers on the relay don’t have much experience doing exchanges off one another. Where as in the NCAA you have many meets where you exchange off the same swimmers.

I’m confident Michael will do a very safe start.
Now why Cordes jumps early I can’t explain.

Mark Torres
3 years ago

I think he makes 100 Breast 1st with a 58.1, clean up the turn and competition to push him! He makes the 100 fly too with a 50.3. 2 IM, is questionable, scratch IM semis for 100 fly finals on same night.
Great shot at the 50 free too, semis are end of session after fly finals. Plenty of time, women’s 2 free and 800 free in between! Finals 50 free 21.49, will be close!

cswammer
Reply to  Mark Torres
3 years ago

what? why would he scratch the 200 IM for the 100 fly? He’s been training much harder for the 200IM than the fly

Admin
Reply to  cswammer
3 years ago

I think he’s almost definitely going to swim the 200 IM, 100 breast, and 50 free.

The only question is about whether he’ll swim the 100 fly. I think he won’t.

Ol' Longhorn
Reply to  Braden Keith
3 years ago

Why swim it when you’re going to sett a WR in the 100 fly-back on your way out in the 200 IM?

Mark Torres
Reply to  cswammer
3 years ago

Better shot in the fly. Wish he could do both!

Mr Piano
3 years ago

I know I’m super late to the convo. Here’s my predictions

100 breast: 58.4 to win

200 IM: 156.5 for 3rd

50 free 21.4 for 2nd

100 fly conflicts too much with the 200 IM and 50 free

Last edited 3 years ago by Mr Piano
Hswimmer
Reply to  Mr Piano
3 years ago

You only think he will go .5 faster in IM with more rest?

fly fly
Reply to  Mr Piano
3 years ago

Similar to you, except I predict 200 IM low 1:56 and come in 2nd. Too bad he shouldn’t go for 100 fly.

Pvdh
3 years ago

1:56.2 for 2 IM
58.25 for 1 Breast

Those will be he 2 events at OGs. Don’t think he will content 100 fly, if he does he will be a tossup for 2nd between he Rooney and Shields. I think somebody will beat him out in the 50 for the 2nd spot as he’s focusing on longer events now and it’s at the end of the meet.

dresselgoat
Reply to  Pvdh
3 years ago

Who else can go a 21.4?

Last edited 3 years ago by dresselgoat
Ol' Longhorn
Reply to  dresselgoat
3 years ago

Wouldn’t put it past Held.

Pvdh
Reply to  dresselgoat
3 years ago

I think Held and Adrian will be close to that level. But I’m saying Andrew won’t be 21.4 level since he’s focused more on 100/200 over the last year

Ol' Longhorn
Reply to  Pvdh
3 years ago

Probably right, then again it’s been a couple years since he did the 21.4 and he was a mere boy. He’s got some man strength now and he might be 21.2 if that were his sole focus. He’s got crazy easy speed so far this year in fly, so would not be surprised with a 21.4.

Pvdh
Reply to  Ol' Longhorn
3 years ago

Seems to have done some dry land so perhaps he’s still got the power.

THEO
Reply to  dresselgoat
3 years ago

I think Held goes 21.3-21.5, easy. That 21.8 in-season when he had no logical business going 21.8… that’s something. Adrian I think 21.5 is a fair bet. Then there’s a real wildcard… David Curtiss…. who is still a teenager and hasn’t had a full LCM season in a long time and is dropping time quickly. Wouldn’t be surprised to see him at 21.5 as well. So MA could make it, but he will likely need a PB.

About Gold Medal Mel Stewart

Gold Medal Mel Stewart

MEL STEWART Jr., aka Gold Medal Mel, won three Olympic medals at the 1992 Olympic Games. Mel's best event was the 200 butterfly. He is a former World, American, and NCAA Record holder in the 200 butterfly. As a writer/producer and sports columnist, Mel has contributed to Yahoo Sports, Universal Sports, …

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