U.S. Nationals: Teenager Campbell McKean Clips Michael Andrew for Title in 50 Breaststroke
Heading into the United States National Championships, there was much discussion about the potential of Campbell McKean. Out of the Bend Swim Club in Oregon, and bound for the University of Texas, McKean was touted as a future breaststroke standout for Team USA.
Instead, he is the present.
Contesting the 50-meter breaststroke at the Indiana University Natatorium on Thursday night, McKean claimed a narrow victory over veteran Michael Andrew. McKean touched the wall in an impressive mark of 26.90, with Andrew following in 26.92. The performance earned McKean a trip to this summer’s World Championships in Singapore, and made him the fifth-fastest American in the event.
“It means a lot. I made Junior Pan Pacs last year. I kind of set myself a goal at Fort Lauderdale that I could make the national team. I went for it and made it,” McKean said. “I think it’s great to fill the hole that America needs. I think it’s going to be really fun.”
During the morning prelims, McKean and Andrew recorded matching times of 27.14. However, Andrew was still considered the favorite for the night session, based on his wide-ranging experience on the international stage. But in the final, the teenager was undaunted by the pressure-filled moment and came away with the biggest triumph of his career. McKean celebrated the win with a slap of the water.
McKean’s performance positions him as the favorite for Friday’s 100 breaststroke, which is the rising star’s prime event. McKean has trimmed his personal best in the 100 breast from 1:04.73 in the summer of 2023 to a 1:00.40 at the recent TYR Pro Series stop in Fort Lauderdale. Based on his effort in the 50 breaststroke, a sub-1:00 outing in the 100 breast figures to be on the immediate horizon.
“I’m definitely aiming for Michael’s National Age Group record,” McKean said, referencing the 59.82 Andrew posted in 2016. “I think it’s possible, and I think going 26 tonight will definitely help me set up for that first 50 tomorrow. I think my 200 breast will help me keep my back 50 strong.”
As for Andrew, when the International Olympic Committee announced the addition of the 50-meter stroke events for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, several athletes celebrated the move. Andrew was among them, as his talent in the sprint events has always been a trademark.
By finishing second in the 50 breaststroke, Andrew will have the chance to race the event at the World Champs, along with the 50 butterfly, where Andrew was the runnerup on Wednesday night. All four of Andrew’s individual medals from the World Championships have come in 50-meter events, and he’ll have the chance to pad that total this summer. In 2022, Andrew reached the podium in three individual disciplines, winning silver in the 50 freestyle and bronze in the 50 breaststroke and 50 butterfly.
