Watch Michael Phelps Race Video of Top-Ranked 100 Fly

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

At the 2015 USA Swimming Long Course Summer Nationals, Michael Phelps threw down the gauntlet with the fastest 100-meter fly time of the year.

Phelps responded to some quotes from Chad le Clos and Laszlo Cseh at the World Championships with a 50.45 in the 100-meter fly.

Original 100 Fly Report:

Michael Phelps is back on top of the world in the 100-meter fly. Phelps blasted a 50.45 in tonight’s final at USA Nationals in San Antonio. The time puts him first in the world, ahead of butterfly heavyweights Chad le Clos and Laszlo Cseh. Phelps’s swim was an impeccable response to Le Clos and Cseh’s “trash talk” from the FINA World Championships in Kazan. Le Clos (50.56) and Cseh (50.87) took first and second at Worlds.

Phelps’s swim is only 0.63 seconds off of his world record time of 49.82, an incredible mark for Phelps on his quest to return to the Olympics in 2016. His splits were simply outstanding.

After the turn, Phelps began to separate himself from second-place finisher Jack Conger and the rest of the field. From there, he seemed to gain steam. Conger touched to a 51.33, while David Nolan wound up third in 52.15.

Giles Smith finished just outside the top three in 52.23. Matthew Josa, who was seeded third entering the night, posted a 52.28. Connor Black (52.61), Tripp Cooper (52.63), and Braxston Timm(53.38) rounded out the championship final.

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