Phelps’ record mark falls at championships in S.Korea

By Muhammed Enes Calli

ANKARA (AA) - American Caeleb Dressel broke swimming legend Michael Phelps’ world record in the butterfly stroke Friday at the world swimming championships in Gwangju, South Korea.

Dressel managed a time of 49.50 seconds in the men’s 100-meter semifinal heat to top the 10-year record Phelps set in August 2009 at 49.82.

Phelps took to social media to congratulate Dressel’s performance.

“Many congrats to @caelebdressel !! So sick to watch you starts, turns,under water, and of course your stroke!,” he said. “Swimming super fast this week! Finish strong!”

In other action, 17-year-old American Regan Smith set a new world record with a 2:03.35 performance in the semifinals of the women's 200-meter backstroke.

The previous record set by Missy Franklin was clocked in 2:04.06 at the 2012 London Olympics.