…13-year old Michael Andrew continues to shake off the naysayers and excel, even in his new age group. Last weekend at the Missouri Valley Division 1 Championship meet, he went six new best times in yards competition. That includes a 46.13 in the 100 free, a 1:44.0 in the 200 free, a 52.0 in the 100 back, a 57.3 in the 100 breast, a 1:52.0 in the 200 IM, and a 4:09.0 in the 400 IM. He broke 21 seconds in his 50 free for the first time in his life at the Minneapolis Grand Prix (20.94) and went on to swim Winter Juniors, but he now has cuts for that meet in 4 different events. Thus far, Andrew has shown that he is still improving, and excelling in longer events as well. That 200 IM ranks 2nd in the country this season among 13-14’s, and limited to just 13-year olds it’s the top by five seconds…
…Speedo leaked today via their Twitter feed some behind-the-scenes shots with American Olympian Cullen Jones as their newest sponsored athlete. In 2006, Jones signed a lucrative multi-million dollar deal with Nike through the London Olympics, but that deal expired leaving Jones to sign with Speedo. Jones had a great 2012 season that really surprised a lot of people. He took individual silver in the Olympic 50 free (after knocking the great Nathan Adrian out of the event at Trials) and also was a part of the silver-medal winning 400 free relay. No terms of his new deal have been formally announced…
…Meanwhile, one of the biggest superstars in swimming outside of the United States, Cesar Cielo and Arena have parted ways after being together since 2008. Cielo by most standards had a successful 2012, though for the World Record holder to walk away from the Olympics with just a single bronze medal in the 50 free left him feeling disappointed with his results, especially after returning to training full-time in Brazil. This news comes after Cielo’s former club and one of the country’s best, Flamengo, folded their professional swimming program, and Cielo found a new coach in Scott Goodrich (with some camps back in Auburn under Brett Hawke). Brazilian swim news blogger Alex Pusiellidi reports that Cielo is already in talks with Jaked for a new agreement. This is the company that burned so brightly during the polyurethane era of 2009 before fizzling out thereafter. Earlier this year, they lost the sponsorship of their home-federation, Italy, to Arena.
Michael Andrew had ANOTHER great meet since this was posted, where he went (get this!!!) 1:50.54 200IM, 49.72 100FLY, 57.03 100Br, 51.05 100BK, and 46.06 100FR!!!!!!!!!!
Props to Michael for his hard work, and to his Dad for the innovative training program. Way to go Team Indie. The kid has qualified for Senior Winter Nationals at age 13!