Michael Phelps Goes on Record-Breaking Rampage
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BALTIMORE, March 18. TEEN sensation Michael Phelps resumed his one-man assault on the U.S. National Age Group (NAG) record book this weekend at the Eastern Zone Sectionals at George Mason University, March 14-17.
The North Baltimore A.C. world record-holder in the 200 meter butterfly broke five NAG records for boys 15-16, recording some eye-opening times in the process.
In the 400 yard IM, Phelps first cruised to a 3:45.27 time in prelims, smashing Dave Wharton's record that had stood since 1986 — before young Michael could walk. But that was just prelude.
In the final, he came roaring back to lower his own mark to a breath-taking 3:42.08. That makes him the fifth all-time on the fastest performers/performances list. The only faster times are Tom Dolan's American record of 3:38.18 (1995), Greg Burgess' 3:40.14 (1994), Tim Siciliano's 3:40.77 (2001) and Erik Vendt's 3:40.98 (2001). It is faster than the nation's top collegiate time this year.
Another old-time record fell when Phelps swam 4:18.12 for the 500 free. The time cracked Jeff Kostoff's mark of 4:19.13 set twenty years ago.
Phelps, however, saved the best for last. In the 200 yard fly, he sped to a 1:42.81 clocking in prelims, taking down his own record of 1:43.70 set earlier this year.
In the finals, he sliced more than seven-tenths of a second from his still-dripping prelim time. Touching in 1:42.10, the 16 year-old had recorded the second fastest time in history. Only Mel Stewart, whose American record of 1:41.78 has stood since 1991, ever swam faster. And only that once.
Put a little muscle on this Phelps kid, get him some experience… and he could be good!
NBAC dominated the meet, winning the Combined and Women's Team Titles.