On the final day of the Maryland State Championships, held in the capital Annapolis, Michael Phelps broke the Short-Course-Yards American and U.S. Open records in the 200 fly. In short course yards swimming, the U.S. Open record is effectively the World Record, as the United States is the only country that holds yards competitions.
His time of 1:39.65 broke the old mark, which he previously set in 2006 at the American Short Course Championships, by .05 seconds. Although it was a slim margin, it was a great improvement after a disappointing start to the meet. Although he easily won the 400 IM, his time of 3:39.01 was 4 seconds off of his personal best, and both Phelps and his coach were disappointed.
Phelps also swam a lifetime best in the 200 IM, although it was still well off of Ryan Lochte’s record, in 1:40.08. See the official Maryland Swimming website for full results.
Good for him!