Michael Andrew is a force to be reckoned with and has broken several records in swimming. He’s an Olympic medalist and a world champion, winning a gold medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics in the 4×100 meter medley relay, and he was the 2016 world champion in the 100 meter individual medley.

Just 14 years old, he became the youngest professional swimmer in the United States. This move represents a shift from the traditional path of attending college and competing nationally. This ruffled a few feathers, but it did not stop Andrew from doing what he loves. Since then, the trailblazer has experimented with science, philosophy, and even chess to create unconventional training methods, which have already enabled him to win a world title. But who is the support system behind this all?

Who Is Michael Andrew’s Father, Peter Andrews?

Michael Andrews’ father is Peter Andrews. Born and raised in South Africa, Andrew’s dad served as a Naval Operational Dive Team member before moving to the U.S. He also founded swim clubs in Aberdeen, South Dakota, Kansas, and later California (Race Pace Club).

Peter Andrew is a former naval diver and rugby player, while Tina Andrew was a former British Gladiators known as Laser. The couple moved to the United States in 1997. Peter has been Michael’s primary coach since he was seven years old and throughout his Olympic career. In addition to the guidance he receives from his father and coach, Peter, Michael is open to incorporating new ideas that could help him achieve world records and victories.

Peter had also been the head coach of the International Swimming League’s New York Breakers and worked with the Aberdeen Aquaholics in South Dakota. Peter helped his son start his career by first jumping into a two-lane-sized pool in their backyard, preparing him to accomplish his best.

Who Is Michael Andrew’s Mother, Tina Andrews?

Michael Andrews’ mother was also  born in South Africa, initially appearing on British and South African versions of Gladiators as “Laser”/“Sheena.” She serves as Michael’s business manager and agent, managing sponsorships and public-facing facets.

Tina Andrew and Peter built a homemade backyard pool for Michael’s early training. As per Heavy.com, Andrew added, “Dad’s my coach, mom’s my agent, my sister is my biggest supporter, we’re always surfing together, hanging out, and I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the family unit that we are.”

What Is Their Ethnicity & Where Are They From?

Both of Andrew’s parents are South African-born and raised; Michael is South African-American by heritage. They moved to the U.S. in 1997, settling in Aberdeen, South Dakota, then Lawrence, Kansas, and finally Encinitas, California.

Andrew was born on April 18, 1999, in Edina, Minnesota. His family has also lived in Lawrence, Kansas, and they relocated to Encinitas, California, near San Diego, in 2018, according to NBC San Diego.

Andrew previously told Swim Swam that it was like a reset for his whole family when they moved. “Things were starting to become strained,” Andrew added. “Kind of realizing that swimming isn’t—as much as it’s our primary focus and what we’re doing as a team—it’s not what matters. What matters is us operating as a family unit and loving one another and being able to just keep the perspective healthy.”

Does Michael Andrew Have Any Siblings?

Andrew has a younger sister, Michaela Andrew, who is two years younger than he is. She was a swimmer in her youth and now works as an artist, supporting Michael publicly.

She is now a full-time artist and celebrated her brother’s Olympic achievement in June 2021, writing on Instagram, “A pause in art posts to say thanks for the best early birthday present. I’m so excited for the future and so thankful for the physical representation of God’s amazing redemption in our family. I’m so proud of my best friend @swimmermichael.”

She is thoroughly involved in her painting and also has a blog dedicated to the same. Did you know this about Andrew and his family? Share your thoughts in the comments below.