Michael Andrew has been dominating the TYR Pro Swim Series in recent times. However, in an unprecedented turn of events, the 2023 edition saw Andrew being edged out by Nic Fink. Come the Paris Olympics, Andrew is training hard to get back up to his previous pace. Raking up an impressive 13 gold medals, the 25-year-old is being touted as the frontrunner to win the Olympic gold this year. 

And inevitably, with the ascension of Michael Andrew, comparisons with Michael Phelps have been doing the rounds. Interestingly, there was a time when Michael Phelps analyzed Andrew’s technique and came up with a glaring error. Surprisingly, Andrews, too, supported the legend’s theory. 

Michael Phelps criticizes Michael Andrew

When Michael Andrew clocked 1:55:44s, while the time was quite impressive, Andrew, who was looking to beat the world record, fell significantly short. A striking observation that was made by fans and critics alike was Andrew’s speed seemed to fade away in the last 50m. And this did not go unnoticed by the greatest swimmer of all time, Michael Phelps. 

Scrutinizing Andrew’s technique, Phelps said, “When you’re slipping water like that, I feel like that’s a training error. You’re not giving yourself that chance to have repetitions in training that you’re going to feel the last 25 meters.” Phelps further shared advice that would help Andrew improve his timing.

He explained, “I just think to swim a good 200, you have to train for the 400. To swim a good 100, you have to train for a 200.” Well, such advice coming from the legend himself is a dream for any swimmer. And expectedly, Michael Andrew agreed with Phelps on this occasion. Meanwhile, Andrew seems to have taken the advice seriously and is working towards bettering himself. 

Michael Andrew claims to break the World Record

Putting in the grind, Michael Andrew is coming for the 200 IM world record. In a 2022 exclusive with Olympic.com, Andrew stated, “This would be kind of funny. What if I had the fastest 150 metres in the world and I came home the slowest and still broke the world record. That’s possible. We’re going to try and break that world record.”

Sure enough, his progress has been significant since Phelps made that comment. Competing at the 2021 TYR Pro Swim Series, Andrew not only dominated the competition but also set several records. He clocked 58.67s in the 100m breaststroke, 50.80s in the 100m butterfly, and 1:56.84s in the 200 IM. Riding on the back of these accolades, Andrew received the ‘Ultra Swim Swimmer of the Month.’

He continued his good work in 2022 when he almost broke Adam Peaty’s record in 100m breaststroke by clocking 59.05s. Although he has not competed in the 200 IM since 2021, Andrew might have a surprise for his fans in Paris. With the days approaching fast, the US swimming community’s hopes truly rest on Michael Andrew.