Andrei Minakov Swims 52.23 100 Butterfly in Santa Clara; Will Miss Worlds Due to Russian Ban

Andrei Minakov -- Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

Andrei Minakov Swims 52.23 100 Butterfly in Santa Clara; Will Miss Worlds Due to Russian Ban

When Caeleb Dressel clinched the 2019 world title in the 100 butterfly, the silver medalist was Andrei Minakov of Russia, and two years later, Minakov ended up fourth in the 100 fly final at the Olympics, just 0.14 off the podium. But this year, the now-20-year-old Minakov will not race against Dressel, Kristof Milak and co. at the World Championships with all Russian athletes prohibited from attending because of the nation’s invasion of Ukraine.

Minakov is now training at Stanford, and during his freshman season with the Cardinal, he was the NCAA champion in the 100-yard fly and third-place finisher in the 100 freestyle. At NCAAs, he was asked about his plans for summer competition in light of the suspension from Worlds, but he did not comment. But on Friday, Minakov raced for the first time since March as he won the 100 fly at the George Haines International Swim Meet in Santa Clara, Calif., a short drive from Palo Alto.

Minakov swam a time of 52.23, which leaves him nine tenths out of the global top-10. His racing plans for the rest of the long course season are unclear, but he could opt to swim at U.S. Nationals in Irvine, Calif., in late July.

Also competing Friday evening in Santa Clara was Stanford’s Lillie Nordmann, coming off an impressive freshman season of her own in which she finished fourth in the 200-yard free at the NCAA Championships. Nordmann won the women’s 100 free (55.41) and 100 fly (59.57).

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Mike

1 year ago

US athletes were never banned when their nation launched wars of aggression killing many civilians.

The bigoted hypocrisy is duly noted.

Angello Malefakis

1 year ago

The evil state of Nazis in the Kremlin must be removed asap! As they are doing harm to the world. In turn, I support the ban of all Russian athletes from the Olympics, the world championships, etc. They can change nations. Who in his right frame of mind will want to compete for an evil state that bombs children and their mothers seeking shelter in churches, schools and hospitals. Who?