Michael Andrew Breaks Another NAG Record; Suffers Collapsed Lung

Posted on January 22, 2012, in National, National News, News, with 49 Comments
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For those who questioned whether or not 12-year old Michael Andrew had the endurance to excel in races longer than 50 yards, he answered that emphatically by breaking the 200 yard breaststroke National Age Group Record at a meet in Independence, Missouri two weeks ago.

Andrew swam a 2:13.33 at the Polar Beat Meet at the Henley Aquatic Centre to break the 2006 record of Tanner Kurz of 2:13.52. Kurz has signed a National Letter of Intent to swim at Indiana this fall.

This is his 12th National Age Group record overall (11 short course, 1 long), and the first of his career that is in an event longer than a 100. When we interviewed his father and coach Peter Andrew in December, he claimed that Michael’s future was actually in the middle-distance races, and it seems that his prophecy might have been accurate.

Also at this meet, he came close to breaking the two-minute barrier in the 200 yard IM for the first time with a 2:00.97 lifetime-best. That moves him into 9th on the all-time age group list. He also cut three-and-a-half seconds off of his lifetime best in the 200 free with a 1:50.35.

After breaking the record, Michael had a bit of a scare with a “spontaneous pneumothorax,” which is code for a sudden collapsed lung caused by a buildup in air in the chest cavity. The specific causes of many spontaneous pneumothorax is unknown, but specialists told the family that this is not an uncommon occurrence in tall, skinny boys like Michael. The condition is self-healing, and Michael has already made a full recovery in time to swim at a meet in Missouri this weekend.

And don’t look now, but Michael’s mother, Tina, tells us that he’s hit another growth-spurt.

Read More With These Tags: Michael Andrew, National Age Group Records, Records in Swimming, Tanner Kurz

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49 Comments

Jcoach

01.22.2012 · Reply

Is he wearing the new Speedo get-up in that picture? Hair-management system and all?
- Braden Keith
  
  01.22.2012 · Reply
  
  Hmm don't think so, think it's just a good old fashioned dome cap.
bobo gigi

01.23.2012 · Reply

Thank you for the results of this young swimmer. Interesting to follow his career. I hope for him he will have a much better future than Tanner Kurz. But it's the fun thing about a young swimmer. We don't know and nobody can predict that now. Perhaps he'll struggle to really improve or perhaps he'll win 6 gold medals in 2016. If you have videos of races, post them. I'm curious to watch his style in the 200 IM. And the good point about him is that he has no weak stroke. I wish him the best.
- Braden Keith
  
  01.23.2012 · Reply
  
  I mean, what's the measure of success for these young kids? Tanner Kurz has dominated Delaware HS swimming, and is going to Indiana on a scholarship. Did he turn into Michael Phelps? Not yet. But he's still got a great future in front of him. Same as we can't annoint the future stars at 12, I don't think we can write them off at 18 (especially boys).
Concerned Reader

01.23.2012 · Reply

I was reading this and I'm worried- he's over 6 feet tall and he's about to grow again? That's great but then I read collapsed lung. This could be Marfan's Syndrome. It occurs in a person who's very tall (and for a 12 year old, that's enormous) and has gangly limbs. For a 12 year old, a collapsed lung isn't normal. Just in case, get him tested for fibrillin-1 mutation. It can't hurt to get him checked out, because if it's Marfan's, his aorta could burts, as the disease weakens the tissue in the cardio vascular system. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001455/#adam_000418.disease.symptoms
swmfan7

01.23.2012 · Reply

This just does not feel right. In all my years in swimming I have never seen a kid with this level of intensity, with parents so overly invested (father as coach, mother as pr agent) be able to sustain it all to the National Team level, which today is populated by mosly 20 somethings. Some train too much, too early so there is no where to go as they age and develop, others get injured by overly enthusiastic coaches who push them too hard, others who have early success due to a size advantage just fall apart emotionally and physically when the rest of the population catchs up. Dealing with 12 year olds with high potential is all about nuance and patience, like aging a fine wine, and I do not see any of that going on here. Two weeks ago he has a collapsed lung and his parents have him back competing again this weekend. Good god!
Ace

01.24.2012 · Reply

Anyone who has witnessed this family at a meet would agree with you SWMFAN7.
don

01.24.2012 · Reply

Do I detect a touch of sarcasm Dora? Either way, I find the hoopla over a 12 year old totally ridiculous but not as ridiculous as a parent not telling his 12 year old to take some time off after a collapsed lung. What is wrong with this ? Has everyone gone off the deep end ? Dora, investing time in your child is not the same as investing time in YOUR CHILDS SWIMMING.
- Braden Keith
  
  01.24.2012 · Reply
  
  A few thoughts. 1) They're certainly not overtraining him. Check out the interview - mostly run 2,500 yard practices 3 or 4 days a week. 2) They spent time with several specialists before giving Michael the greenlight to compete again. They went through a huge battery of tests. They were told by a doctor that he could safely play tackle football if he wanted to. 3) The dad has a work situation that allows him to stay home and coach. Note that in South Dakota, he coached the whole club team, so it's not as though he's an overbearing parent. He's a swim coach, who has a kid that swims. Trust me, I asked the same questions as you guys did. I was very comfortable with the answers I got, or this article would have taken a decidedly different tone. I know it's hard to believe, but I've spoken to Michael a few times, and his parents, and they are definitely not taking this overboard. I've seen overboard parents - and these are absolutely not overboard parents.
Ron

01.24.2012 · Reply

Braden, Yardage is not the only indicator of overtraining. If you are doing max-out training and overly fast training, it's just as bad -- or even worse than "too much yardage". It's not the yardage that crushes kids....sometimes it's the opposite. My grandmother was right -- everything in moderation. Speed, yards, etc. It's just the best way. Ask a coach who knows what's going on. Someone who has produced age group swimmers who have done something in the sport. Why do we think this guy's dad has the answer? Maybe you should interview some reputable coaches, now that your website is obviously gaining stream? I bet you could get some good coaches on here.
- Braden Keith
  
  01.24.2012 · Reply
  
  Ron - they never train past fatigue. Peter doesn't believe in swimming fatigued. Even without high yardage, they're just not doing that much fatigue training. They put a huge emphasis on reducing every piece of drag they can. They're in constant consultation with huge name coaches, so it's not as if they're flying blind here. He doesn't even peak and taper. Michael seems to still be enjoying it and he's thin as a rail, so I really don't understand what the evidence is for overtraining, other than the fact that he's fast. (and no, the pneumothorax had nothing to do with his training). Unless the whole premise is that his coach/dad is a liar, in which case I'm not really sure how to dispute that.
Swimmer 99

01.24.2012 · Reply

Comments like these above is why swimming will NEVER be a popular spot. A kid's really fast at 12??? OBVIOUSLY HIS COACH IS AN IDIOT AND DOESN'T HAVE A CLUE WHAT HE'S DOING!! Virginia lost the dual meet?? OBVIOUSLY THEY'RE GOING TO DO BETTER AT ACC'S!! My team had really bad times?? OBVIOUSLY THEY'RE TRAINING HARDER THAN THE OTHER TEAM AND ARE ALL GOING TO WIN EVERYTHING!!!!! What a joke. The kid's just good, why is it so hard for people to accept that? Kurz is a failure?? Really??
Joe Augustine

01.24.2012 · Reply

Wow I think if Michael saw this whole thing, he'd say wow really?? The people that are ripping on him and his parents are the ones who look like they are 12 years old, not him. Braden, thank you for commenting and explaining the real situation here and putting these people in their place.
hmmmmm

01.24.2012 · Reply

I think you all might be jealous of this kids successes. Either he will turn out to be great and create more attention to the sport or burn out like half the 11-12 national age group records. Either way, congratulate his achievements because they are remarkable and get on with your lives.
Ron

01.25.2012 · Reply

I'll admit, I'm very jealous.
Anon

01.25.2012 · Reply

A cautionary tale: http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl/2001_3277975/lapping-his-field-swimmer-maverick-smalley-a-buddi.html
- Braden Keith
  
  01.25.2012 · Reply
  
  More cautionary tales from swimmers who broke 11-12 NAG Records: http://www.theswimpictures.com/USA_PanAm/content/__Murphy___Ryan_200_Back_Championship_Final_Bolles_School_Sh_FL_TB2_5906__large.html http://www.gatorzone.com/story.php?id=19226 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Margalis http://www.gostanford.com/sports/m-swim/mtt/robinson_anthony00.html Maverick and Michael are nowhere near the same story. Maverick lost his edge when he stopped growing. Michael's already got a couple of inches on Maverick and is still growing. Michael's parents are both 6'0 plus, his dad is about 6'5. If Andrew hits 6'6 ot 6'7 he can play at any age. Nobody's trying to award in an Olympic medal yet. But I just disagree with the attitude that being fast at 12 means you're not going to be very good when you're older. I guess we'll see what happens in 13-14's, because then this guy becomes the example: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Phelps
Anon

01.25.2012 · Reply

Good points Braden ... I just think that when we overhype these really FAST, but also really young kids it can be difficult to live up to although it seems that the family likes the hype. At the end of the day it's not for me to judge because it's not my child and not my swimming career. Best of luck to the Andrew family.
- Braden Keith
  
  01.25.2012 · Reply
  
  Fair enough. I don't want to sound like I'm his publicist, I'm just in wait-and-see mode. (Though really, is it against the rules to root for a 12-year old?)
DDias

01.25.2012 · Reply

Braden Keith, is great when you follow a life path(trajectory) of a youngster and you see that kid growing to be an outstanding athlete.I follow cielo times progression since he was 16 and and Usain Bolt when he was only 15.Unafortunately, i saw some guys even faster than them at early age, and they did not get the same success.A lot of factors will be playing a major role in Andrew s development, but right now, i am enjoying the sight. Good Luck, Andrew.
don

01.26.2012 · Reply

I don't see anyone" ripping" this kid or believe that anyone is jealous of a 12 year old. It just makes alot of people uncomfortable to see a a kid have so much attention and high expectations focused upon him.I do not believe it is a good thing for a child and regardless of whether or not his parents are great or supportive to have what he does (swimming) still be center stage and the focus of their life. It skews the importance of what he does and upsets the balance. As a parent, I would have said you are not swimming after having a collapsed lung because it is my responsibility to convey what is and isnt important in life and to set boundries. I wish for the best for this kid..a great college career and a great career as a proffesional swimmer but it should not start at 12
Zaphod

01.26.2012 · Reply

Saw him at the NASA meet in Clearwater last year. After swimming a 2:03 200 IM as an 11 yr old, his dad's first words to him were "Well, it was OK." I lost respect there. Also saw him this summer at the Central Zones in Topeka and noticed that his hips were coming completely out of the water on his breaststroke kick. Is that legal?
Downsouth

01.26.2012 · Reply

I thought the same thing when we saw him swim the 200 Br. He was doing a fly motion. In fact, I was expecting him to get DQ'd. Anyway, best of luck to the kid.
newswim

01.26.2012 · Reply

Yes and one can add Matt Grevers to the list of kids who excelled at a young age and did pan out (I believe Grevers might be more relevant given his size but also believe he set his first NAG at 10!)...so one can only hope. Re the DQ....it's pretty hard to tell from the video. There is no rule against hips breaking the surface...and body dolphin in the stroke is legal ...the infraction is that during the propulsive phase of the kick the feet need to be turned outwards and the force cannot be coming from the front part of feet (as in fly kick). So it is possible that Michael is kicking legally but with lots of downward (and corresponding upward) movement....that is legal but somewhat contrary to current vogue of kicking straight back and keeping the stroke flat and forward ("flat back")....but then again there are so many different way to swim breaststroke and this obviously works very well for him
unimpressed

01.26.2012 · Reply

I'm sure the kid is fast, and I've had the opportunity not only to watch him swim but to officiate when he has swum. But really, go look at his times on USA Swimming - he has swum 138 races since the start of the 2012 Top 10 season. The kid is swimming a meet every weekend and traveling across the country to do it. This is not a normal life for anyone outside of the professional realm. He's fast, his strokes are good (and no, there's no DQ for hips in breaststroke) and he may remain fast - but I would predict that other athletes who have been allowed to mature both physically and mentally will far surpass him. Especially now in the days of the elite athletes staying in the sport through their mid/late 20's and even 30 - This guy has to swim for another 10-20 years. When does he get to be a goofy teenager? Time will tell, meanwhile, let his parents hype him - no one else needs to.
Tina Andrew

01.26.2012 · Reply

To all out there reading this I would like to take the opportunity for you to get a glimpse into our lives. We do not take exception to anything said because you don't know us and if you knew me, Peter, Michael or Michaela, you simply would not be able to make some of the outrageous statements made in this blog. Just because someone appoints me as Michael's PR person, does not mean I am. I will happily wear that title as his biggest fan, supporter and protector and oh hypster! For those of you who sees us at meets, I encourage you to get to know us. Don't just judge from a distance, or what you have heard or read. We are actually really nice, down to earth people who care deeply for our kids and for this sport. 2011 was a tough year for us, we had to wrap up a very comfortable and settled life we built up in Aberdeen, South Dakota when suddenly, our visas were denied after annually (for years) being automatically renewed while we were waiting for our number to come up to get our green cards. What happened to derail our process we will never know. We did not want to remain in the US without legal status and with no other alternative, sold our business, our home, our swim club, our rental homes and properties we were in the process of flipping in order to get out of the US and immigrate to Australia. Unfortunately (or fortunately for us), we were unable to leave immediately after everything was sold as my passport was expired and South African Dept. of Homeland Affairs took over 13 months to issue me a new one. In the interim we went back to the drawing board and reapplied and received approval to stay in the US permanently in December. During this entire time we were unable to work without work authorization and Michael being at the top of his age group, we made a decision as a family to focus all our time, energy and attention to swimming for the time being. If it was not for our faith and swimming in our lives, all the joy and excitement (and diversion for that matter) swimming provided us, the last year would have been even tougher. I understand for someone who do not know us, who sees Michael competes almost every weekend, being back in the pool after being diagnosed with minor spontaneous pneumothorax etc. we simply have to be crazies. I get it. But you are misinformed. We have seen several specialist and waited longer than what we were advised before we let Michael swim again. We will never ever risk Michael's health for anything in this world as he is very precious to us. Our family values are God centered and not swimming centered. We simply see it as a talent God blessed our kids with and we seek to glorify Him in all we do. Swimming has been a blessing and a priviledge to us. We have been tasked as parents to ensure that our kids are well balanced, well educated, upstanding and contributing members of society. As our kids' coach, we have taken it upon ourselves to constantly educate ourselves and to immerse ourselves in the science of this sports and to apply that which we have learned. We have come a long way and by no means are perfect. We do strive for excellence and yes, we are intense and we are competitive and will make no excuse for that. Peter always says the day coaching Michael affects his special father/son relationship they have, he will quit coaching him. We often marvel on how blessed we are that we have been able to travel as much as we do, see so many fun places, meet so many amazing people while doing that which we have come to love and appreciate. We are living our dream. Thank you for all your well wishes and concern. It is appreciated and noted. I am of the believe that you can have a totally normal life without missing out on being a goofy teenager and still be phenomenal at anything you do. Because Michael is excelling in the pool, it is just assumed that he cannot have a normal life. For the haters out there, I know nothing I say or anyone says for that matter, will make a difference to what you believe is the truth. Just know that we know that it surely cannot be directed at us since you don't know us. God Bless.
- BlazerFootiePJGirl
  
  03.13.2012 · Reply
  
  Mrs. Andrew, I am also an 11-12 girl swimmer in the Missouri Valley LSC and could not agree with you more. I have only spoken with your son a few times, but have admired his achievements since Michael swam with Jordan and the Aquahawks. The only way he differs from others our age is his incredible commitment to his family, God, and the sport of swimming. I must admit I was starstruck at Zones when I hung out with him and the rest of my friends in the "fast crew" but when I talked to him, I could have been talking to any 12 year old in the midwest. I witnessed him break multiple records this weekend at Div 1s and congradulated him. That boy has a future. Haters: don't beleive everything you hear about this kid. Go Michael! :D
anon

01.26.2012 · Reply

Well said mom. I think my only stated concern is that there is too much hype for him ... I love swimming, eat,sleep and breathe it, but as a coach I realize that everything has to be put in the proper balance for swimming (and really a child's whole life) to have success. It's quite a tricky proposition and important for everyone not to proclaim Michael as the next olympian just quite yet. It's cool to read the updates about what he's up to and see what he's doing, I just hope for his sake that he is shielded from some of this speculation. Some 12 year old boys can be quite self conscious and they don't need to think their lives are under the microscope constantly. There is already enough pressure inherent in this sport at swim meets and this is an extra level that doesn't need to be added. With all that being said, good luck Michael (and mom and dad) in all your endeavors in the coming years. I hope that swimming continues to play an integral (and successful) role in Michael's life. I'm sure we will continue to hear about much more record breaking in the coming months and years.
Andrew

01.26.2012 · Reply

Last week Sinead Russell gave us heck after some of us commented on her situation and now Tina Andrew writes a short story about her family. The overwhelming majority of people reading about Russell and Andrew on this site are likely really excited about their success and wish them nothing but the best. I don't think it would hurt Tina if she took a public relations 101 course at her local community college because media scrutiny will get more intense as Michael gets older/faster and interview requests increase. Both Tina and Sinead handled the negative comments on TSC poorly, almost taking them personally instead of realizing they're fighting the vocal minority. Waging war with "unimpressed" and other "haters" on a chat forum on an obscure swimming website (sorry braden...i love this site btw) is a can't win exercise because anonamous negative posters are accountable to no one and they're everywhere.
swimyourswim

01.27.2012 · Reply

This site contains all aspects of everything swimming - so naturally, keeping tabs on a 12 year-old age-group swimmer is appropriate. This kid is really fun to root for - as is his younger sister. And in between their races, they're throwing the football with the other 12 year old boys and making paper cranes with the other 10 year old girls. My kids look forward to seeing the Andrew's at meets. Ya, they're fast, but they're also regular kids who are fun to hang out with. Keep it up, Braden! We're loving the direction this site is headed.
Downsouth

01.27.2012 · Reply

Mrs Andrew is going to A) have to get used to the scrutiny, and B) stop reading these comments. When my son swam in college, at a top D1 school, he and the team were many times brutalized. I actually didn't begin commenting until AFTER he graduated. He is still swimming and training for this summer and I can finally read all of these comments and laugh. People with the "unkind" comments are usually just jealous and the sooner she learns that the better. Relax!!!
bobo gigi

01.28.2012 · Reply

As a swimming fan from France, I wish the best to this young swimmer. To his mom, don't waste your energy and your time with ignorants. I don't understand all these critics. You don't know this family and you judge it so please stop the bad comments. You don't know if in the future he'll be only a swimmer like others or a big star, you haven't a crystal ball. Michael Phelps always has a 10 and under NAG record in the 100 fly and it hasn't prevented him for becoming the best swimmer of all time. Mom Andrew, you must be proud of your son and if there are so many comments it's perhaps because all these swimming fans are really interested in the future of this young swimming star and they will be his first fans if one day he represents USA in an international competition. I'm waiting for his next results and his future with a big interest.
Ron

01.28.2012 · Reply

Haha I know this family much more than most familes in the USA due to their appearance on this site. I know what we see and hear, and I know facts like meet schedules, etc. If you put yourself out there like that you may get people talking -- whether it be positive and negative. The issue is that the kid is so young...if he was 22 instead of 12, people wouldn't be coming to his and his parent's defense so quickly -- it just kind of goes with the territory. This whole thing make me laugh. Best to Michael and his family, but I do think we should all get real. Just because people like me may talk about the issues involved doesn't mean we're jealous, and it certainly doesn't mean we don't know what we're talking about. Some of us very much know what we're talking about!
Eric

01.28.2012 · Reply

Michael Andrew is an amazing swimmer and I can't wait to see how he progresses.
Team Andrew

01.29.2012 · Reply

I happen to know the Andrew family personally, and if you knew them as well, you would think twice before making the comments that you do on this site. Their kids are both phenomenal! They are happy children and have been blessed with great gifts. Michael is just like any other 12 year old boy. His parents give him an incredible amount of support spiritually and with the love and devotion they exhibit for both of their children. If both Michael and Michaela chose to walk away from the sport, Tina and Peter would support them whole heartedly. Part of their passion for the sport is because of their children’s passion. Tina and Peter have to be the most generous people I know. They would give you the shirt off their back if they could. There should be nothing but praise and support for both Michael and his family. For those of you that think that the Andrew children fatigue train, you couldn’t be more wrong! What they do is focus on technique. There are some days when they don’t even train; so all your speculations could not be farther from the truth. The Andrew family keeps the sport fun; the day that it stops being fun for the kids is the day they all walk away! Furthermore, since when is it ok to criticize a 12 year old boy in the way most of you are doing? I define that as jealousy and pettiness. News flash, it gets you nowhere! Keep your negative thoughts and influences to yourself. No one really truly cares about what you have to say. Glorify their success and wish them the best! Is that really so hard to do? In essence, stop caterwauling with your churlish, panjandrum behavior. I recommend that you adopt a sense of obloquy toward the Andrew family rather than sounding off like a popinjay. For most of the ones making the negative comments, GROW UP and keep your mordant comments to yourself! To Michael and all the Andrew family, know that you are loved and adored not only by me, but by many! I am very excited for you all! The way I look at it is, The Andrew Train is coming whether you like it or not! Either get on board or stay at home! Much continued love and support for your entire family! Stay positive and may God continue to bless you!
JP

01.29.2012 · Reply

I think the fact that there's this many strong opinions either way about a 12-year-old kid is just kind of sad in itself. Nobody has any idea how he's going to turn out in 8-10 years when it really matters.
DCD3

01.30.2012 · Reply

Team Andrew, You took the words right out of my mouth! I was going to say people were caterwauling with churlish, panjandrum behavior! Seriously though, if he's having fun and swimming fast let's let him enjoy the ride.
coacherik

01.30.2012 · Reply

Let's keep THIS train rolling anonymous haters and defenders alike! I'm comment #37, shoot for 50! Here is something to keep it going.. I heard Micheal Andrew hates puppies, trips old people on the street and has a pair of baby-seal skin uggs. He studies at the School of Ozzy and bites the head off of a bat before every NAG Record race. I hope I can get his autograph some day...
coacherik

01.30.2012 · Reply

Oh, "Team Andrew", glorify as fans? Isn't that a bit much, for a 12 year old boy? Don't think we need to glorify his accomplishments. Recognize his outstanding speed and hand over a hardy "congrats, hope everything works out for you"? Absolutely. Glorify, that can seriously alter the perspective of anyone, so would be hesitant to throw any big time comments whether it was Michael or any other swimmer doing this. Also, understand there is a difference in what maybe perceived as negative to being realistic. Michael appears to be a talented and tall young man, something that could be to his benefit if this path continues and his meteoric rise does not stop. I would like to think I am realistic (also in the wait and see what happens over the next 3-5 years before we crown him king camp) as are many others on these threads. It's in a lot of peoples nature to doubt, question, to cast such remarks for things like jealousy. Regardless, don't hate on people's first amendment rights and tell them what they can't or shouldn't say. As long as they aren't hateful, terribly mean things at a specific indivudal, let it go. As much as I don't like some comments, it's free speech that allows you to come to their defense as well. There could be some validity in the comments you despise, have spent every moment with everyone you know? Not everyone's experience and perception is the same as yours. Could you imagine if everyone in the world had the same opinion? How boring of place would THAT be??
Ron

01.30.2012 · Reply

It would be very boring
Andrew

01.30.2012 · Reply

40.....10 to go.
completelyconquered

01.30.2012 · Reply

Dear mom and dad, don't feed the trolls.
Jim

02.03.2012 · Reply

I met the Andrews this past weekend. Didn't know who Michael was before then. My 13 yr. old swims and told me, "Dad, the fastest 12 yr. old in the nation is here". My 13 yr. old introduced me the Michael's parents. I find Peter and Tina very refreshing as parents. Michael has an incredible gift. His parents are doing a phenomenal job of dealing with an unusual situation. I've worked with young people for over 3 decades and it is quite rare to see the intentional vision the Andrews have for their children. The unique thing that sets this swim family apart from the rest is that they have life prioritized correctly. They understand the gift of their swimming son, but his gift is not their #1 priority - living life as it is intended to be lived ranks far above swimming to them. I witnessed a 12 yr old boy playing cards with his younger sister and enjoying her company. The two of them graciously invited my son (1 of 505 swimmers) to join them. Peter and Tina were so pleasant to visit with, yet focused on excellence. Technique is important. Training is a must. However, the reason you haven't begun to witness what this young man will accomplish is because of the charcter of this family. Their difficulties are turned into lessons and potential is optimized. We all have it. The Andrews handle it well.
Frank

02.05.2012 · Reply

If anyone is intrested check out the results of the schroeder A+ meet in wisconsin! michael is putting up awesome times! Also notebly a 13 year old girl named beata nelson posted a 51.0 in the 100 free along with two 55s in the 100 fly/back!! Thats incredible!!! National teamers david plummer and josh schneider are also in the meet along with adam mania! Very fast swimming going on in milwaukee!
coacherik

02.05.2012 · Reply

Saw Beta Nelson swim for the first time this past summer at Zones, potential is equally there. Long, tall butterflier too, think she got the winter junior cut there in the fly at 12..
Ace

02.05.2012 · Reply

Simmer down a bit and relax mom.....if you're doing everything right as you say you are....you have nothing to defend.
JPS

02.11.2012 · Reply

To add to Jim's comment: Michael is one of the best things to happen to the younger boy age group lately. He adds a level of excitement to any meet where he's participating, and the kids really enjoy watching/swimming against him. Plus, kids usually put in their best times when they swim against him. He's also a friendly, polite, intelligent boy, and positive role-model for the sport(kudos to mom and dad). I think swimming is a wonderful life-long sport for kids. For the sport to grow we need to encourage that upcoming talent.
Lyn

03.15.2012 · Reply

I am a swim coach and I also coach my daughter. We are in the Missouri valley LSC and have been to meets where both the Andrews kids have been swimming. They both have great technique and feel for the water. They are both super nice kids. Their parents have always been very nice and humble. The kids have both played with kids on my team and were great. I have a lot respect and admiration for both of them. Some kids like my daughter love swimming and everything that goes with it practices and all the hard work. Some of the parents will not understand this concept because they have make their kids go to practice and when they get there all they do is mess around or they feel the need stay and coach from the side (babysit). There are totally non thinking parents out there, but they are not them.
Craig

04.01.2012 · Reply

Just got done watching Michael at the MYAS at the University of Minnesota. He crushed records and had a line of kids asking for autographs and I never saw him turn anyone away. I was very impressed how he handled the situation almost as much as the phenomenal times.