Will Michael Andrew Be Able to Break Caeleb Dressel’s 100M Butterfly Record at Swimming World Cup 2023?

Michael Andrew stole hearts with his impeccable performances in the Berlin meet of the Swimming World Cup 2023. The world has taken notice of his athletic prowess and incredible speed in the water. With each race, this American swimming legend seems to get better and pushes his body to a higher limit. After suffering a major upset on the final day of the World Cup in Berlin and losing his top position on the leaderboard to a Chinese rival, he was not in the mood for fun in Greece.

Michael Andrew dived back into his training after landing in Athens, and after his performance in the opening day morning heats, it looks like the hard work has paid off. Although a good result at the heats meant a lot for him, he was chasing the 100-meter butterfly record of Caeleb Dressel. By not making the necessary time at the heats, his chances are fast slipping by.

Target Caeleb Dressel, chase is on at Swimming World Cup 2023

Michael Andrew competed in the 100-meter butterfly heats on October 13 in the last heat 6 against an Australian rival. Andrew was guarded against Cody Simpson and for the right reasons. The timings posted on World Aquatics revealed that the two swimmers were neck and neck throughout a race, with the American maintaining a slight lead. Michael Andrew finished the first split at 24.20, while Simpson was close behind at 24.43 seconds.

The cat-and-mouse chase continued in the second and final lap of the race. The 24-year-old American ace recorded a blazing time of 52.11, narrowly edging out Cody Simpson, who touched the wall at 52.13. Michael Andrew was awarded 854 Aqua Points for his remarkable speed, and the runner-up received 853 Aqua points for similar reasons. Both swimmers have entered the finals for this evening with first and second place on the overall heat leaderboard.

Michael Andrew looked visibly upset with his time. He was hoping to match or better Caeleb Dressel’s record in the 100-meter butterfly. The seven-time Olympic gold medalist holds the 100-meter butterfly world record, which he made at the 2020 Summer Olympics. Andrew was chasing after the 49.45 seconds mark and came almost three seconds behind. After defeating Dressel last year, he was hungry for more accolades.

Michael Andrew tasted blood at the 2022 Pro Swim series

Caeleb Dressel’s mental health has been on a downward spiral since the 2020 World Championships. Consequently, he took time off from swimming and only competed in small events. In one such event, Michael Andrew faced off against the legend at the 2022 Pro Swim series. He outswam the iconic swimmer in his signature 100-meter butterfly race. With this win, Andrew had created a pillar to support his bold ambition for the future.

Read More: Michael Phelps, Caeleb Dressel, Simone Manuel: Exploring the Mental Health Issues of American Swimming Legends

This ambition took shape in the Swimming World Cup 2023, but Andrew could not see it come to fruition. Now he has another chance at the finals in the evening, where he must overcome his strong rivals and also swim at a better pace to reach the elusive mark. In the meantime, Caeleb Dressel’s record still remains to remind the world of his greatest triumphs.

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