WATCH: Derby Pro Men’s 50 Free Round 3 (Race Video)

2018 TYR PRO DERBY

Race video courtesy of Coleman Hodges.

It seemed clear that the swimmers had enough time to recover to expect a sub-22 to win the men’s event, the question was who could pull it off? Fratus did it in the first round, while Andrew’s back-to-back 22.0s suggested he might have a little left in the tank.

MEN’S FINAL ROUND

  1. Michael Andrew, 21.84
  2. Bruno Fratus, 21.87
  3. Kristian Gkolomeev, 21.99
  4. Shinri Shioura, 22.62

It ultimately did take sub-22 to win, but the big shock was that three men managed to do it. Michael Andrew got under the mark for the first time on the day in 21.84, narrowly edging by Bruno Fratus (21.87) for the title and a cool 4k. Andrew, who holds a personal best time of 21.75 from the 2017 World Junior Championships, is setting himself up for a big summer in this event and perhaps a berth on his first Pan Pacific and LC World Championship teams.

Kristian Gkolomeev stepped up big in the final round as well, getting down to 21.99 after 22.2 and 22.3 showings earlier. The Alabama alum typically only gets under 22 for championship level meets, so this is a good sign as he heads towards the European Championships later this summer. Shinri Shioura had a solid swim to get through to the final in round two, but didn’t have a ton of gas left to ultimately place 4th in 22.62. He’ll compete alongside Fratus and Andrew (pending qualification) at the Pan Pacs on his home soil in August.

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running start to touch backstroke flags
6 years ago

MA cut off god mid-post-race-prayer to talk to Bruno Fratus.

FL LSC

What God needs to say has been written down for some time now. MA was just giving thanks for what he has been given. I’m positive God is ok with Michael being kind to his neighbor since he’s the one that has needs, not God.

Dudeman

It seems more like he’s giving thanks instead of saying an actual prayer, he does it after most races and it’s always pretty quick

Observer

Class act, Michael is a gentleman in and out of the pool.
Humble in both success and defeat.

Brutus
6 years ago

Can Michael Andrew still go to college?

rumbuns
Reply to  Brutus
6 years ago

no, he turned professional. he forfeited his ncaa eligibility by doing this

Thadawg
Reply to  Brutus
6 years ago

Yes, he just can’t swim collegiately

About James Sutherland

James Sutherland

James swam five years at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario, specializing in the 200 free, back and IM. He finished up his collegiate swimming career in 2018, graduating with a bachelor's degree in economics. In 2019 he completed his graduate degree in sports journalism. Prior to going to Laurentian, James swam …

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