CLEARWATER, Fla. — Countryside High swim coach Scott Hernon hasn’t seen talent quite like Andrew Taylor’s.

“Watching him throughout his freshman, sophomore year, and what he was doing in the water. The way he attacks the water. Just the way he goes about his race strategy, it’s totally different from what I’ve seen,” Hernon said. “Even totally different than his idol Bobby Finke.”

What You Need To Know

  • Countryside coach sees similarities between junior Andrew Taylor, Olympian Bobby Finke

  • Scott Hernon says Taylor on pace, if not faster, than Finke was

  • Hernon coached Finke, who inspires Taylor, in high school

  • Taylor qualified this summer for the trials for the 2024 Paris Olympics

Hernon coached two-time Olympic gold medalist Bobby Finke in high school. He said there are similarities between Taylor and Finke.

“Bobby talks about changing gears at the end of his race, and with Andrew, I saw that the last two years,” Hernon explained. “He likes to compare himself to his idol, and he’s right on pace, if not, faster than where Bobby was.”

Finke has been an inspiration to Taylor, and recently he had a chance to meet his idol, who shared his Olympic experience.

“Definitely motivates me a lot,” Taylor said. “I just picture myself, and that’s what I want to be.”

Taylor is entering his junior year but already has podium finishes in the State Championship in the 500 and 200 IM. He also won a state title on the 400-meter relay team. And he’s the 2021 Open Water Champion

“It’s peak to a peak,” Hernon said. “You get to this peak and you get an eye peek of the next peak you’re trying to get to, and I think he got a big vision this summer.”

This summer, Taylor qualified for the Paris Olympic trials.

“Definitely a relief to get them,” Taylor said. “I was stressed after I didn’t make it the first time…I was just so excited to get them.”

Hernon said Taylor’s accomplishments this early in his swimming career are remarkable.

“USA swimming-wise, unbelievable what he’s accomplished,” Hernon explained. “You’re talking college kids who train and train and train, that aren’t even close to those cuts.

“These times he’s doing are as good as any Division I time at the NCAAs. It’s just unbelievable. “

Taylor is ahead of the curve, a testament to his dedication to training. He puts in at least 20 hours a week.

But Hernon said Taylor is nowhere near reaching his potential.

“I think it’s limitless right now because he just continues to get better and better,” Hernon said. “Watching him, he’s right on track. Everything has fallen into place. I think he’s getting bigger, stronger, and smarter. “

Right on pace to one day be swimming alongside his idol as he chases his records.