Michael Phelps Goes on Record-Breaking Rampage

BALTIMORE, March 18. TEEN sensation Michael Phelps resumed his one-man assault on the U.S. National Age Group (NAG) record book this weekend at the Eastern Zone Sectionals at George Mason University, March 14-17.

The North Baltimore A.C. world record-holder in the 200 meter butterfly broke five NAG records for boys 15-16, recording some eye-opening times in the process.

In the 400 yard IM, Phelps first cruised to a 3:45.27 time in prelims, smashing Dave Wharton's record that had stood since 1986 — before young Michael could walk. But that was just prelude.

In the final, he came roaring back to lower his own mark to a breath-taking 3:42.08. That makes him the fifth all-time on the fastest performers/performances list. The only faster times are Tom Dolan's American record of 3:38.18 (1995), Greg Burgess' 3:40.14 (1994), Tim Siciliano's 3:40.77 (2001) and Erik Vendt's 3:40.98 (2001). It is faster than the nation's top collegiate time this year.

Another old-time record fell when Phelps swam 4:18.12 for the 500 free. The time cracked Jeff Kostoff's mark of 4:19.13 set twenty years ago.

Phelps, however, saved the best for last. In the 200 yard fly, he sped to a 1:42.81 clocking in prelims, taking down his own record of 1:43.70 set earlier this year.

In the finals, he sliced more than seven-tenths of a second from his still-dripping prelim time. Touching in 1:42.10, the 16 year-old had recorded the second fastest time in history. Only Mel Stewart, whose American record of 1:41.78 has stood since 1991, ever swam faster. And only that once.

Put a little muscle on this Phelps kid, get him some experience… and he could be good!

NBAC dominated the meet, winning the Combined and Women's Team Titles.

Complete Women's Results

Complete Men's Results

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