Phelps Breaks World Record in Butterfly

At U.S. Championships, Olympic Star Shaves .18 Seconds Off Mark Set in 2005 for 100M Fly

(AP)  Michael Phelps broke the world record in the 100-meter butterfly at the U.S. championships on Thursday, giving him ownership of five individual world marks.

The 14-time Olympic gold medalist swam the two-lap final in 50.22 seconds at the Indiana University Natatorium. He lowered Ian Crocker's mark of 50.40 set at the 2005 world championships in Montreal.

Phelps led at 50 meters with a split of 23.83, just three-tenths off world-record pace. Known for his strong finishes, he pulled clear to beat Tyler McGill, who touched in 51.06. Aaron Peirsol was third in 51.30.

"Crock had a ton more first 50 speed than I did. That's something I've really been working on," Phelps said. "I've always been able to come home pretty strong. I finally got the front half a little bit faster. If I can get that even faster, I'll be in better shape."

Phelps holds world records in the 100 and 200 flys, 200 and 400 individual medleys, and the 200 free.

Phelps had owned the 100 fly mark for a day at the 2003 worlds in Barcelona. But Crocker took it from him a day later, then lowered it twice more.

"I still remember the day at worlds when I broke it and the next day Crock broke it and Crock's had it ever since," he said. "To finally be able to get it tonight means a lot."

Last month, Phelps won the event at a meet in Montreal with a then-personal-best of 50.48.

"Crock actually texted me after and wished me all the luck and telling me that was my record," he said. "That meant a lot, from a competitor and a friend and a classy guy. We had amazing battles back and forth. Those are something I definitely miss."

Crocker hasn't swum competitively since losing the 100 fly to Phelps at the Bejing Olympics, where Phelps won a record eight gold medals.

Phelps' victory gave him a spot in the event at the world championships this month in Rome. He already qualified in the 200 fly and 200 freestyle as he continues his transformation from swimming middle distances to sprints.

[rwsmith29456]

A young person, especially one experiencing freedom and fame after living like a monk while training for years is prone to make mistakes in judgement. This has cost him plenty and more than just money. How would you like to have your every moment, public and private scrutinized? I don't care what he endorses. Phelps is a terrific swimmer and I hope he continues to break records.

[dragontat2]

Subway Sandwiches has big Michael Phelps ads... something about banana peppers.
He's awesome. Pot, peppers & all.

[Joe_NY_15]

I still boycott or avoid Kellog products whenever possible, so should anyone who felt they shouldn't have cancelled his endorsement deal over a photo.

[displeased]

I've boycotted Kellogs for years, not because of them dropping Phelps but because their cereal is useless sugar with no nutritional value. Anyway, Phelps will continue to win and somebody else will benefit from endorsing him. I was disappointed when Kellogs dumped Phelps over something so minor as pot. Something that should and hopefully will be legal soon.

Well done with continuing the boycott.

[whatdableep]

Must be the Hemp!

[antoniof123]

LOL.....

[stlswimfan]

Way to go, Michael! You are an amazing athlete and an inspiration to my two young swimmers. Congratulations on such an impressive feat. Forget the haters and their ignorant comments...we all make mistakes. We love you here in St. Louis.

[TheStolenGiraffe]

see..and who says marijuana is bad for your health. this guy apparently smokes or used to smoke, and wins gold medals in events that use your lungs to the utmost capacity.