'Star is born': Teenager shocks swimming with 'unbelievable' world record
Hungarian teenager Kristof Milak has shocked the swimming community by breaking Michael Phelps’ world record in the 200m butterfly.
Milak won gold in a time of 1:50.73 at the world swimming titles in South Korea on Wednesday night, lopping 0.78 seconds off Phelps' 1:51.51 set in Rome in 2009.
“What a stunning performance,” one commentator exclaimed. “Unbelievable.”
Malik wasn’t even a butterfier as a youngster.
"It's a tremendous honour to set such a great record," he said.
"Until 14 I was a backstroker and later I focused on the butterfly.
“But earlier I only did 100 metres because I wasn't strong enough."
There can be no question about his strength now.
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At 19, Milak is the youngest winner of the 200m butterfly since Phelps triumphed as an 18-year-old in 2003, the second of the American great's five world titles in the event.
"When I turned back and saw the time, all the pressure, all the tension just got off my back and all the joys came out," Milak said.
Chad le Clos of South Africa was out under world-record pace through the first lap before Milak gained the lead after 150 metres.
"Unbelievable race, really," said Le Clos, an old rival of Phelps.
"Probably one of the greatest races ever."
Daiya Seto of Japan finished 3.13 seconds behind for silver in 1:53.86. Le Clos settled for bronze in 1:54.15.
Thats freaking incredible! World record win today. Congratulations Kristof Milak! 🤩✅💯 #newworldrecord #swimming2019 #kristofmilak #Congratulations https://t.co/Q5DFoXTx3a
— Karmic Canna (@KarmicCanna) July 24, 2019
A star is born. Hungarian Kristof Milak just broke Phelps WR in 200m butterfly! Three seconds ahead of second place. Incredible. #Gwanju2019
— SuSingh (@suhani84) July 24, 2019
I'm really happy for Kristóf Milák !!! Congrats!!!
I'm still remember that I couldn't even swim 25 meters of butterfly.
This is an incredible achievement, I mean, he had to have worked very hard bc butterfly is the MOST difficult swimming technique. https://t.co/REhXIFGnbh— Nitec (@nitecr) July 24, 2019
Kristóf #MILAK!!! Holy smokes!! What an incredible WR swim!!#Gwangju2019
— Jake Smith (@_snakethejake) July 24, 2019
OH MY. Hungarian 19-year-old Kristof Milak just broke Michael Phelps’ 200 fly record and routes the field by three seconds. Breathtaking effort.
— Pat Forde (@YahooForde) July 24, 2019
10 years after the ban on shiny suits Hungarian Kristof Milak takes down @MichaelPhelps 200 'fly WR in 1:50.73!!!
— StateOfSwimming.com (@StateOfSwimming) July 24, 2019
Phelps will always be the king of the 200 fly — he held the world record 18 years continuously, to the day, which is staggering. But Kristof Milak is the new prince.
— Pat Forde (@YahooForde) July 24, 2019
Kristof Milak just crushed Michael Phelps' 200 Fly World Record of 1:51.51 with a 1:50.73. This sport is getting FAST.
— Kyle Sockwell (@kylesockwell) July 24, 2019
Gold and silver for Aussie girls
Elsewhere, Italian Federica Pellegrini retained her 200m freestyle title in 1:54.22, while Britain's Adam Peaty completed an unprecedented hat-trick of world doubles in the 50 and 100m breaststroke as he romped to gold in the one-lap final in 26.06.
The 24-year-old, who smashed his own 100m world record earlier this week, also helped Britain to bronze in the mixed 4x100m medley relay.
Cate Campbell blew past American Simone Manuel with an extraordinary anchor leg to bring Australia gold in 3:39.08.
"I feel like a bear who's been in hibernation," said Campbell after two days off.
"I was starting to get a little bit restless -- there are only so many episodes of 'Friends' I can watch."
with agencies
