Michael Andrew Scratches 100 Fly Prelims at 2026 Pro Swim Series in Westmont
The 2026 Pro Swim Series in Westmont is underway, and on Day 3, the spotlight shines on Michael Andrew, a 26-year-old National Team member. Andrew, who was seeded 8th in the men's 100 fly with a time of 51.83 from May 2024, surprisingly scratched the event's prelims.
Andrew's scratch comes as a bit of a surprise, considering his limited recent race experience in the 100 fly. His lifetime best in the event, 50.80 from the 2021 Pro Swim Series in Indianapolis, places him as the 8th fastest American in history. This scratch might be a strategic move, allowing him to focus on other events where he has performed well.
At the same meet, Andrew has already showcased his versatility, winning the 50 fly in 23.10, his fastest swim since February 2024. He also secured a silver medal in the 50 back with a time of 25.23 and qualified for the 100 breaststroke final with a time of 1:00.71, though he is more than two seconds off his American Record time of 58.14.
Andrew's schedule for the rest of the meet includes the 50 breaststroke and 50 freestyle on Saturday, indicating a well-rounded approach to the competition.
In contrast, Katie Ledecky, a swimming powerhouse, scratched the women's 200 freestyle, where she was the 2nd seed. This decision was anticipated, as Ledecky had previously discussed her approach to the meet with SwimSwam, emphasizing the importance of pushing through challenges.
The meet's prelims heat sheet reveals further scratches from top seeds, including Lora Komoroczy, Emma Harvey, and Zara Masud in the women's 100 fly, and Abdalla Youssef, Jorge Iga, and others in the men's 100 fly.
The 2026 Pro Swim Series in Westmont continues to offer thrilling moments, showcasing the strategic decisions and versatility of its participants. As the competition unfolds, fans can expect more surprises and impressive performances from the swimmers.
