Phelps sets world record in butterfly

INDIANAPOLIS, July 9 (UPI) -- Swimming superstar Michael Phelps, nearing his return to the global stage, set a world record Thursday in 100-meter butterfly at the U.S. Championships.

Phelps, who last year in Beijing became the first athlete to win eight gold medals in a single Olympics, turned in a time of 50.22 seconds to break the world mark of 50.40 established four years ago by Ian Crocker.

The hero of the 2008 Olympics will take part in the world championships in Rome this month, where he is expected to add to his collection of international titles.

Phelps defeated Tyler McGill by .84 of a second, a huge margin in the 100-meter event. Phelps won both the 100- and 200-meter butterfly events in Beijing, along with the 200- and 400-meter individual medley races and the 200-meter freestyle. He was a member of three winning relay teams as well.

Also cementing a spot on the American world championship team was 42-year-old Dara Torres, who won three silver medals at the 2008 Olympics. Torres won the 50-meter freestyle Thursday in 24.43. She finished second in the event in Beijing.

Two-time Olympic medalist Rebecca Soni captured the 100-meter breaststroke with a clocking of 1:05.34 -- finishing more than a second in front of Kasey Carlson. Soni won the Olympic gold medal in the 200-meter breaststroke last year and claimed the silver over 100 meters.

The other finals Thursday were won by Elizabeth Beisel (with a time of 4:36.31 in the 400-meter individual medley) and Nathan Adrian (who swam a 21.52 in the men's 50-meter freestyle).