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Aussie teenager makes swimming history with insane world record

AFP

Australia's Minna Atherton has become the first woman in swimming history to go below 55 seconds in the 100m backstroke.

The 19-year-old set a new shortcourse world record at the International Swimming League (ISL) meet on Sunday, making swimming history in the process.

Atherton clocked 54.89sec to break the previous mark of 55.03sec - set by Hungary’s Olympic gold medallist Katinka Hosszu at the 2014 world championships.

Minna Atherton, pictured here in action at the International Swimming League.
Minna Atherton became the first woman to go under 55 seconds in the 100m backstroke. Image: ISL

"I'm really happy with that, especially since I just missed it in the relay (earlier in the day)," said Atherton.

"It will be exciting to see what is coming up in the future."

Aussie swimmer Maddie Groves led the congratulations on Twitter.

“Australia we have a new World Record holder in the pool!!! Congratulations young CHAMP,” she tweeted.

@MinnaAtherton creating history. WR & first woman under 55 in the 100m backstroke short course, amazing.”

Adam Peaty stars as well

Also starring on Sunday was Britain's Adam Peaty, a 2016 Olympic gold medallist and eight-time world champion.

He followed up his 50m breaststroke win on Saturday with victory in the 100mm.

"It's been brilliant, absolutely amazing," said Peaty as he reflected on his first appearance in the ISL season.

"I've never ever felt an energy like this, and I think it really helps bringing all the different cultures, all the different team members around the world together."

The inaugural season of the ISL features six meetings in all with a series finale in Las Vegas in December.