Another Michael Phelps record broken, this time in 100m butterfly; Missy Franklin’s record also beat
More world records were broken in stunning fashion at the World Aquatics Championships on Friday.
The efforts were highlighted by Anton Chupkov taking gold in the men’s 200-meter breaststroke. But it was Caeleb Dressel and Regan Smith who outdid American greats. All three swimmers set new marks in their respective events.
Dressel topped Michael Phelps long-standing 100-meter butterfly record.
He set his first career world record after clocking 49.50 seconds during the semifinal in Gwangju, South Korea. It beat Phelps’ previous mark of 49.82 set in August 2009.
Phelps congratulated the young swimmer after his race.
The veteran swimmer wrote on Instagram: “Many congrats to @caelebdressel !! So sick to watch your start, turns,under water, and of course your stroke! Swimming super fast this week! Finish strong!”
Many congrats to @caelebdressel !! So sick to watch your start, turns,under water, and of course your stroke! Swimming super fast this week! Finish strong! #usa #welldeserved
A post shared by Michael Phelps (@m_phelps00) on
Smith touched in 2:03.35 to take the backstroke record and shatter Missy Franklin’s best from the 2012 Olympics by almost 0.7 seconds.
Franklin also only had praise for 17-year-old, sending her a message on Twitter.
“Well dear friend, we had a great run,” she wrote. “Seven years and I couldn’t be more honored to have my 200 back World Record broken by @reganesmith4 , one of the sweetest and hardest working athletes I’ve ever known. Keeping this World Record with an American flag by it means everything.”
“I was truly blown away watching Regan swim a 2:03.3 (yes, I typed that right) and absolutely smash it. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again,” Franklin added. “People will forget your times, they’ll forget the color of your medals, but they will never, ever forget how you made them feel.
“I truly couldn’t be happier seeing my World Record go to someone who I believe at the bottom of my heart is one of the greatest inspirations and kindest humans in the world. Congrats my dear @reganesmith4. Thank you. For sharing your gift with us. You’re beyond a joy to watch.”
More American success came through Simone Manuel, who followed up victories at the 2016 Olympics and 2017 championships with another gold in the 100m freestyle.
Yuliya Efimova, in the women’s 200m breaststroke, and Evgeny Rylov, in the men’s 200m backstroke, similarly defended their titles.
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