INDIANAPOLIS -
Its no longer about winning for Michael Phelps. At this point its more of a given.
Following an eight goal metal performance in Beijing, and then two victories Wednesday at the US Swimming National Championships, only a world record really stirs the soul of America and perhaps the world's best swimmers.
"This is something that I really wanted to accomplish," said Phelps of a world record in the 100 meter butterfly, which Ian Crocker had set four years previous.
See: Pictures from US Swimming National Finals
He wouldn't have to wait that long Thursday at the IUPUI Natatorium.
Phelps got to lead and easily outdistanced the field, and the bested the world record in the event with a 50.22 seconds, besting previous record holder Ian Crocker's mark by .18 seconds set back in 2005.
"After that race you could see that I was pretty fired up," said Phelps about his record performance.
Read: More from US Swimming National Championships
The extra burst of speed Phelps credits to an added weight lifting regimen that differed from his usual training, which was for the 400 individual medley race.
"It kills my body," Phelps admitted about the workouts. "There were days I couldn't pick anything up."
Phelps' coach Bob Bowman says those workouts help to pay off, and along with a flatter swimming stroke, believes it will makes Phelps better in sprint races for the future.
"I'm hoping with a couple more weeks and a little more rest, he'll get better," said Bowman.
Following an eight goal metal performance in Beijing, and then two victories Wednesday at the US Swimming National Championships, only a world record really stirs the soul of America and perhaps the world's best swimmers.
"This is something that I really wanted to accomplish," said Phelps of a world record in the 100 meter butterfly, which Ian Crocker had set four years previous.
See: Pictures from US Swimming National Finals
He wouldn't have to wait that long Thursday at the IUPUI Natatorium.
Phelps got to lead and easily outdistanced the field, and the bested the world record in the event with a 50.22 seconds, besting previous record holder Ian Crocker's mark by .18 seconds set back in 2005.
"After that race you could see that I was pretty fired up," said Phelps about his record performance.
Read: More from US Swimming National Championships
The extra burst of speed Phelps credits to an added weight lifting regimen that differed from his usual training, which was for the 400 individual medley race.
"It kills my body," Phelps admitted about the workouts. "There were days I couldn't pick anything up."
Phelps' coach Bob Bowman says those workouts help to pay off, and along with a flatter swimming stroke, believes it will makes Phelps better in sprint races for the future.
"I'm hoping with a couple more weeks and a little more rest, he'll get better," said Bowman.
