By Phillip Whitten
INDIANAPOLIS, April 6. TEEN sensation Michael Phelps lowered his own world record tonight in the 400 meter individual medley at the USA vs. Australia "Duel in the Pool" dual meet in Indianapolis.
Phelps earned a $25,000 bonus from meet sponsor Mutual of Omaha for his performance.
The 17 year-old North Baltimore Aquatic Club ace was ahead of the world record pace he established last August right from the start before touching in 4:10.73. Phelps' previous record was 4:11.09.
Unlike his former record swim, where he battled Erik Vendt down to the last stroke, tonight he took a huge lead on the butterfly leg and was never challenged, beating runner-up TOm Wilkens by more than six seconds with Vendt another second back.
Phelps' splits: 55.04 (butterfly), 1:03.23 (backstroke), 1:14.23 (breaststroke), 58.23 (freestyle).