Destroyed by 21 YO, Michael Andrew Faces Another Major Upset At Doha World Championships

The World Aquatics Championships 2024, which kick-started on February 2, is closing its doors on February 18. On the second-last day of the event, the US highlight Michael Andrew faced an upset, missing the podium by just a fraction. Boasting 78 medals across all Swimming World Cup circuits, the 24-year-old finished fourth in the men’s 50m freestyle, clocking in at 21.71.

Instead, he made way for his Ukrainian, Swedish, and British counterparts to clinch the podium. A week ago, when the 2016 world champion in the 100-meter individual medley unfurled his victory flag in the 50m butterfly in virtue of his better timing, the world celebrated. But his loss today is sure to leave him and his followers upset a little. The Doha World Championships has been a bumpy ride for the 24-year-old. The breaststroke specialist always garnered love and attention for his finesse on the pool. But it was a 21-year-old young gun who struck him out of the podium.

The 50m races are not in favor of Michael Andrew

Vladyslav Bukhov, the Ukrainian swimmer who made his Olympic debut in the 50m freestyle when he was a teen, is surely very seasoned now. In the 2019 World Junior Championships, he claimed his first 50m freestyle gold as a career starter. But speaking of the reigning champ, Andrew, this isn’t his first Doha loss.

In the 50m breaststroke semi-finals, Australian Sam Williamson earned the most coveted gold, which was kept for any one of the US champs Nic Fink or Michael Andrew. But none of them managed to grab a hold of it, rather the latter finished an unfortunate sixth, clocking in at 27.18.

But his overall position trailed behind 10 people, which ultimately ruled him out of the 50m breaststroke final event. Missing out on the 2023 World Championships didn’t leave Andrew regretful. His words rather reflected true sportsmanship, something every athlete should be game about.

READ MORE: Doha World Aquatics Championships: Dreams Shatter for American Swimmer After Huge Upset Against British Rival

“There were a lot of things I was dealing outside of the pool emotionally spiritually that I just like, I think took away from my focus, which is a good thing to like, you know, miss the team and recognize now that had I not got through that experience I wouldn’t have learned from it”, said he. Making it to the 2024 WC was crucial for him, as the upcoming marquee event requires a path-breaking skill show. One door leads to another.

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