Phelps’ record mark falls at championships in S.Korea

ANKARA

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.