Michael Andrew posted a Q&A video on his YouTube channel last week, where Andrew and his sister addressed questions regarding their family’s move to California, his choice to go pro at such a young age, and where he would have gone to college. Before he got into the questions, Andrew did also tease a new ‘virtual coaching’ feature to be coming in the future, where swimmers can send in videos of them training, and Andrew and his father will give feedback on the videos.
MA’s sister Michaela joined the video to answer the question “why did you move to California?”, revealing that it was actually something of a birthday present to her. Michaela explains that she felt the family’s focus was always on Michael’s swimming career. For her last birthday, she took a trip down the coast of California, and at the end of it her mom revealed that if Michaela wanted to move to California, the family would move. She and Michael then went on to explain that Michaela has dreams of traveling the world surfing, and opening a coffee shop later in her life.
MA also answered the question “where would you have gone to college?”, and before he answered, he stated “I’m not going to college, nobody worry”. Andrew then went on to reveal that “it’s a difficult question”, but “I think I’d probably hook’em horns”, indicating that Texas would have been his top choice.
He also gave a pretty candid response when asked about what it was like to go pro so young. Andrew talked about it being “awful” for a long time, because it caused him to put in a very stressful position where he felt he had to prove his worth. He says after he went pro he was consumed by a fear of failure, and that fear had in turn set him up for failure. But then, he went on to talk about how he learned to accept that his swimming doesn’t define him, and that he now feels “super blessed” to have learned that at such a young age.
When I’d first learned he went pro at such a young age, I assumed he was a cocky jerk. I’m very glad to admit just how much he has proven me wrong. I Even met him one time. Class act. Rooting for him in every way possible.
Michael will get a degree, but not the conventional way. He’s taken college courses online. They’re a very smart family who knows how to be successful, choose their own path lived with integrity, and live a full life. MA has already experienced more of the world than most of the people reading this ever will. I promise you, he’s not spending his time and energy sniping at public figures in comment forums.
Well that was unnecessarily aggressive. I don’t consider anyone’s comments here to be sniping. He made a video about his life and career choices and posted it online for the world to see and comment on.
Is this a pinky swear, or a full-on promise?
If and when MA decides a college degree is important to HIM, I’m sure he’ll figure out how to get one. Right now swimming is his focus. He can get a college degree anytime HE wants to. Just saying. This old body ain’t what it used to be!
I am old enough to try not to judge people. There is plenty of time for Michael to finish college (if he wants) and dive (pun intended) into corporate (or coaching) world. Meanwhile, they are doing what they think is best for him and family and I fully support that. I will follow and cheer.
Michael would have looked nice in burnt orange. I remember watching him first time when he was 12 at an age group meet at the Texas Swim Center. He “belonged” in that pool, and that is a special place. Good luck to the Andrews. South Cal is a special place.
Where in California did they move? What City?
I believe they live somewhere in San Diego.
I just watched the video; apparently they live in Encinitas, which is a beautiful coastal city in San Diego County.
He does realize that if he went to Texas, he would have to swim more than a 50, right?
At US Nationals, Michael Andrew finished higher than any current NCAA swimmer (including Texas Longhorns) in both the 100m breaststroke and 100m butterfly, so I’m not sure that I understand the point that you’re trying to make.
His point likely has to do with USRPT, not the events. MA rarely, if ever, swims more than 50 sets at 200 pace in practice. Eddie don’t play dat.
I have a feeling MA and Eddie would have done just fine together. In fact, I’d love to see that pairing still.
You do realize that MA does not only swim the 50
Free right
it’s 2019 buddy…. not 2015!
Ok?