Andrey Grechin
A Russian sprint freestyle stalwart who anchored relay teams to Olympic and world championship podiums for nearly a decade.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Russian swimmer·Birthday: October 21·Millennials
Biography
Andrey Grechin was the reliable engine in Russia's sprint relay machinery for the better part of two Olympic cycles. Specializing in the blisteringly short 50m and 100m freestyle events, his individual Olympic finals appearances were elusive, but his value to the team was immense. A fixture on the 4x100m freestyle relay, his powerful legs helped propel the Russian quartet to a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics, a career highlight. That relay medal was part of a consistent haul; with Grechin contributing, the Russian team also stood on the podium at three consecutive World Championships from 2009 to 2015. His longevity and ability to deliver fast, clutch splits made him a cornerstone of Russian swimming during an era of intense international competition.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Andrey was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Andrey Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Andrey's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won an Olympic bronze medal in the 4x100m freestyle relay at the 2012 London Games.
- Earned three World Championship medals in the 4x100m freestyle relay (2009, 2013, 2015).
- Competed in both the 50m and 100m freestyle events at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.
Did You Know?
He set a Russian record in the 4x100m freestyle relay at the 2009 World Championships.
Grechin studied at the University of Florida in the United States.
His father, Vladimir Grechin, was also an accomplished swimmer who competed for the USSR.
“In a relay, your start is not for you, but for the three men waiting.”
