Peter Vanderkaay

View Peter Vanderkaay's Biography

"Be patient, success does not always happen overnight."

The University of Michigan Men’s Swimming Photo Vault

Full Name:	Peter William Vanderkaay
Nickname(s):	PVK
Born:	February 12th, 1984
	Royal Oak, Michigan
Nationality:	American
Status:	Retired

Peter Vanderkaay Peter Vanderkaay was born in Royal Oak, Michigan on February 12, 1984 to parents Robin and Mark. From the beginning, the Vanderkaays were a swimming family; Christian (the oldest son) and younger brothers Alex and Dane all found success as competitive swimmers. The four brothers achieved a rather historic feat they all qualified for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials. Peter, however, is the only Vanderkaay to become an Olympian. Age group and high school swimming Vanderkaay grew up in Rochester, Michigan. He swam for the Oakland Live Y'ers (OLY) swim team throughout his age group career. But Vanderkaay was not a standout swimmer in his younger years. He failed to qualify for the Michigan age group state meet as a 12-year-old. In his freshman year of high school he did not swim fast enough to qualify for Michigan's high school state meet. However, a seven-inch growth spurt at age 14, combined with his incredible work ethic, resulted in Vanderkaay becoming a high school super star in his junior and senior years. He represented Rochester Adams High School while continuing to train with coach Jeff Cooper at OLY and he was Michigan High School State Champion in the 500 free (2001 and 2002) and …

The University of Michigan Men’s Swimming Photo Vault

Swim Photo Credit: Tim Binning, theswimpictures

The Peter Vanderkaay Photo Vault

Swim Photo Credit: Tim Binning, theswimpictures

Michigan AD Releases More Details About “Water Carnival”

Here’s to hoping that this weekend’s Water Carnival is sold out and raucous. (Photo Courtesy: ©Tim Binning/TheSwimPictures.com)

Dave and Gary Reemerge…with an All-Star Cast

Gary: We tricked ’em!
David: Not cool bro. Well, at least we assembled today’s hottest swim celebs to make up for it.

Sprint News 9/6/12: Vanderkaay Receives Honor; McGill to Volunteer at Auburn; Former NC State Coach Gets New Gig

September 7th has been declared Peter Vanderkaay day at a Michigan children’s hospital. (Photo Courtesy: ©Tim Binning/TheSwimPictures.com)

The USA Swimming National Team Photo Vault

Jason Lezak, Olympic Icon, 2008 4×100 free relay savior, against Flag Art (Photo Credit: Tim Binning, theswimpictures)

The Ricky Berens Photo Vault

Photo Credit: Tim Binning, theswimpictures

Keepin the Scam Going: Peter Vanderkaay

Well, until Mel kicks us off we’re going to keep doing this. What? Peter Vanderkaay’s going to waste his time with us too? Game on.

Phelps Anchors American Relay for First Gold Medal of Olympics

The American men had big expectations upon them in Tuesday’s 800 free relay, and they delivered (Photo Courtesy: Mike Lewis/OlaVistaPhotography.com)

Dwyer Gets 4th Spot on American 800 Free Finals Relay

Conor Dwyer, thanks to a great prelims swim, will get a shot at the finals of the 800 free relay. (Photo Courtesy: ©Tim Binning/TheSwimPictures.com)

Day 1 Finals Recap, Presented by SwimOutlet Team Division

Spolier alert: If you’re waiting to watch the NBC broadcast on delay, you should wait to watch this video too. (Photo Courtesy © Tim Binning, theswimpictures.com)

Lochte Tops 400 IM as Phelps Misses Podium; China’s Ye Breaks WR

Lochte broke the grill out as he accepted the first gold medal of the 2012 Olympic swim meet. (Photo Courtesy: US Presswire)

Sun Yang Breaks Ian Thorpe’s Olympic Record

Sun Yang wins China’s first Aquatic gold medal in London

Day 1 Finals Preview, Presented by SwimOutlet Team Division

Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps won’t be side by side in their 400 IM Olympic battle on Night 1. (Photo Courtesy © Tim Binning, theswimpictures.com)

Park DQ’ed, Then Reinstated; Phelps Sneaks in 8th in Topsy Day 1 Prelims Session

The two pending superstars of these Olympics are MIchael Phelps and Missy Franklin as things kick off at the Olympics in London. (Photo Courtesy: ©Tim Binning/TheSwimPictures.com)

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