Michael Andrew Shatters 100 BR American Record with Prelims 58.19, #3 in World

2021 U.S. OLYMPIC SWIMMING TRIALS

  • When:
    • Wave I Dates: June 4-7, 2021
      • Wave II Dates: June 13-20, 2021

We didn’t even make it out of the first prelims session before seeing an American Record fall at these Olympic Trials. Michael Andrew, who was just off the American Record mark of 58.64 in May, roared to a massive new best time, touching in 58.19 to take the top seed for tonight’s semifinals.

Andrew took nearly a full half-second off his previous best with the time, and shattered the previous American Record of 58.64 by 0.45 seconds. The swim not only makes Andrew the fastest American of all-time, it makes him the #3 performer in the world all-time.

Here is the newly updated top 5 performers of all-time:

Rank Swimmer Time Country
1 Adam Peaty 56.88 GBR
2 Arno Kamminga 57.90 NED
3 Michael Andrew 58.19 USA
4 Ilya Shymanovich 58.29 BLR
5 Nicolo Martinenghi 58.37 ITA

Andrew’s swim also makes him the #3 performer in the world this year, behind Peaty and Kamminga.

2020-2021 Men’s 100 BREAST LCM

2020-2021 LCM Men 100 Breast

AdamGBR
Peaty
07/26
57.37
2Arno
Kamminga
NED57.8007/24
3Michael
Andrew
USA58.1406/13
4Nicolo
Martinenghi
ITA58.2807/25
5Ilya
Shymanovich
BLR58.4605/17
View Top 26»

Notably, Andrew Wilson, who took 2nd this morning in 58.80, is now the #8 performer in the world.The previous American Record was held by Kevin Cordes from the 2017 World Championships in Budapest. Here is a split comparison between Andrew this morning and Cordes’ 58.64 AR from 2017:

Split Michael Andrew, 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials – Prelims Kevin Cordes, 2017 World Championships
50m 27.05 27.41
100m 31.14 31.23
Final Time 58.19 58.64

As you can see, Andrew was significantly faster on the first 50 than Cordes was, and he came back a touch faster as well. Andrew also nearly took the race out in a 50m breaststroke personal best. His 27.05 split is just off his fastest 50 ever, which stands at 26.84 from 2019 Summer Nationals.If his efforts in May weren’t enough for some, Andrew has now established himself as the clear favorite for tomorrow’s final. We need to keep in mind that Andrew will still have two more cracks at this race at this meet.

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rice
2 years ago

Dang between MA and Wilson US men’s breaststroke is looking solid. I wish could say the same about the men’s 400 free. Hopefully Smith can make me look dumb tonight.

Penguin
2 years ago

If im on the west coast how do i watch finals live tonight? is it possible?

Xman
Reply to  Penguin
2 years ago

At 5pm on nbc

Pete
Reply to  Penguin
2 years ago

I’m on the west coast as well. https://www.nbcolympics.com/ if you want livestream at 5 PM or 8 PM if watching on cable or Peacock.

PVSFree
2 years ago

Is this MA’s first AR?

iLikePsych
Reply to  PVSFree
2 years ago

First individual I believe. He shares the SCM 200 medley relay AR.

Grant Drukker
Reply to  PVSFree
2 years ago

Hé briefly held the 50 LCM fly I believe

Andy
Reply to  PVSFree
2 years ago

Didn’t he hold the 100 IM short course meters record?

Pvdh
Reply to  Andy
2 years ago

No. He had the would junior record. Lochte had the AR till dressel

ERVINFORTHEWIN
Reply to  Andy
2 years ago

yes

ERVINFORTHEWIN
Reply to  PVSFree
2 years ago

Yep

Mr Piano
2 years ago

57 in finals!!

NoFlyKick
Reply to  Mr Piano
2 years ago

doubt it, and he won’t need it to make the team. If he is gonna pop a 57, let’s do it in Tokyo. Actually, if he goes 58-low 3x here at trials, that would be a great sign. It will give confidence that he can deliver a solid relay split.

Xman
Reply to  NoFlyKick
2 years ago

Or swim a 57 tonight, tomorrow, and at Tokyo or better a 56 😎

swimmerswammer
2 years ago

nbc has uploaded his race to youtube

Jalen Stimes
2 years ago

A potential 1:55 2 IM with him popping off?

ERVINFORTHEWIN
Reply to  Jalen Stimes
2 years ago

why not …his confidence level must be boosted allready

Evan pw
2 years ago

Tonight I think he has a chance of going sub 58, if not then he will do it at the Olympics

Andy
Reply to  Evan pw
2 years ago

From what I have seen, he pops best times in prelims, and comes close again in finals. Probably no big drop tonight. Maybe .1 faster tomorrow?

maybe?
2 years ago

The 2020/21 world rankings are wrong, Shymanovich went 58.46 in the heats at european champs and Wilby went 58.58 in the final at european champs