Swimming: Phelps sets new record but eyes sub 50-second butterfly

Published on Friday 10 July 2009 09:43

MICHAEL PHELPS has set his sights on breaking the 50 second barrier after setting a new world record in the 100 metres butterfly.

Competing at the US Championships in Indianapolis last night, Phelps recorded a time of 50.22 seconds to break the previous mark of 50.40sec set by Ian Crocker at the 2005 World Championships in Montreal.

The world record comes less than three weeks after Phelps missed it by 0.08 seconds with a time of 50.48sec at the Canada Cup in Montreal.

With the record-breaking swim earning him a place in the event at the World Championships in Rome next month, Phelps has now set his sights on going one better.

"I was pretty happy with my swim," he said.

"I really wanted to break 50 (seconds), but that is something to shoot for.

"Ian Crocker texted me after prelims. He wished me all the luck.

"That really meant a lot to me as a competitor and as a friend."

The 14-time Olympic gold medallist dominated this final, finishing 0.84 seconds ahead of Tyler McGill while backstroke specialists Aaron Peirsol took a surprise third place. Phelps has also qualified for Rome in both the 200m fly and 200m freestyle events.

Phelps returned to competitive action in May after being banned for three months in February by USA Swimming.

The governing body also withdrew all financial support after a photograph was published of him apparently inhaling from the type of glass pipe often used to smoke cannabis.