Another Day, Another World Record for Swimmer Michael Phelps

Mar 29, 09:06 AM

Current Headlines: By BETH HARRIS

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) - With Michael Phelps in the pool, the rest of the world is swimming for second place.

The American set his third world record in as many days, winning the 200-metre individual medley at the World Aquatic Championships Thursday.

"Michael is just out of reach," bronze medallist Laszlo Cseh of Hungary said.

Phelps used the same strategy he employed in winning the 200 freestyle and 200 butterfly - go to the lead off the starting blocks and stay there.

American backstroker Leila Vaziri and the U.S. women's 800-metre freestyle relay team also got in on the act.

Vaziri equalled her 50-metre world record by claiming gold in the non-Olympic event, finishing in 28.16 seconds to match the time she set in Wednesday's semifinals.

The relay team finished in seven minutes 50.09 seconds, breaking the previous mark of 7:50.82 set by Germany last August at the European championships.

Phelps came home in 1:54.98, bettering his old mark of 1:55.84 set in August at the Pan Pacific championships.

"I went out there and went after it," he said. "Why stop something that works?"

The televised red line that shows how close swimmers are to world-record pace was on Phelps' rear as he cruised to the finish ahead of teammate Ryan Lochte and beat his previous mark by 0.86 seconds.

"I have to say that it's very impressive," said Canadian Brian Johns, who was fifth. "Not only swimming that fast, but to do it night in and night out with everybody looking at him."

Phelps pumped his right arm as he checked the scoreboard, then hugged Lochte in the lane next to him.

Phelps was under world-record pace throughout the race that features all four strokes. He became the first swimmer to win three world titles in the 200 IM and earned his record 14th world championship medal.

Lochte settled for the silver in 1:56.19. Cseh, the European champion, finished third at 1:56.92.

Phelps has also set world records in the 200 freestyle and 200 butterfly. His first gold came as part of the 400 freestyle relay.

"He is just a phenomenon, a mutant or something," U.S. women's team captain Tara Kirk said. "He's just going for personal best times now and they just happen to be world records."

Phelps is 4-for-4 so far in his pursuit of eight gold medals. He still has the 100 butterfly, 400 individual medley and a likely spot on the 800 free relay to swim.

"I'm on that track, yes, but I'm only halfway done," he said.

He is clearly enjoying his victory walks around the pool. He stopped to sign autographs, shook hands with kids and shared a few laughs with Lochte, the second-fastest man ever in the 200 IM - behind Phelps, of course.

The night's most popular victory belonged to Aussie Jess Schipper, who had the home crowd roaring when she won the women's 200 butterfly in 2:06.39.

It was the world record-holder's first world title in the event after Schipper finished second to Otylia Jedrzejczak of Poland two years ago in Montreal.

Schipper was under her world-record pace through 100 metres, but she couldn't hold on.

The festive Aussie fans stood and clapped as Schipper took her victory stroll to Men at Work's "Land Down Under."