LAWRENCE, Kan. — It’s no jump to conclusions, suggesting one pool in Lawrence is filled with a potential Olympic star.
Fourteen-year-old Michael Andrew has swimming speed that already rivals that of Olympians. But unlike other young athletes, he’s already turned pro.
During a recent event in Minnesota, Andrew became the youngest male in history to swim the 100M breaststroke in under 56 seconds. He’s also broken similar records in other events, some of which were previously held by Olympic legend Michael Phelps.
“Once in a while, I look at the USA Swimming website at the achievements I’ve done and records,” Andrew said. “I’ve pretty much set history, and there’s nobody else who’s done the records I’ve set.”
Michael’s father — Peter — is now his coach as well. The native of South Africa moved the family to Lawrence two years ago.
Peter Andrew said the decision to turn pro had less to do with money, and more to do with an unorthodox training system Michael uses called USRPT. That system has never caught on with American coaches, and focuses on training for specific events rather than all-encompassing endurance training.
“Michael made the final decision that this is what he wants to do,” Peter Andrew explained. “If we were going to send him to a college program, it wouldn’t work. They train so different. It was a really easy decision.”
Michael’s pro status even includes a lucrative deal with a nutritional supplement company. He and his family have endured criticism after having him turn pro at such a young age, but they say the benefits outweigh the sacrifices.
“We travel all across the country as a family,” Peter Andrew added. “He swims in pools all across the country. Are we missing out on anything? Nah, I don’t think so.”
The Andrews are also devout Christians, and are active in a Lawrence-area church. Michael idolizes fellow swimmer Phelps, but compares himself to former NFL football star Tim Tebow, who also openly professes his faith in Jesus Christ.
“I want to be that professional athlete. want to be someone people look up to,” Michael Andrew said. ‘We know there’s a lot more speed to come.”
His father says despite the pro status, Michael still is eligible for the 2016 Olympic games in Rio de Janeiro. USA Swimming spokesperson Karen Lynhart confirmed that via telephone on Tuesday evening.
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