Setting a new world record is not a trivial matter. It takes a lot of hard work and determination. This is what transpired recently in the FINA World Championships. Wiped out during the swimming championship were not just one but four world records that were previously thought to last for several years still. But hey no, the new record setters were three Americans and an Italian. Americans were Michael Phelps, Natalie Coughlin and Aaron Peirsol; Federica Pellegrini from Italy.

The very first one to set a new record was Michael Phelps during the 200 freestyle. Previous record was made in 2001 Australian Champion Ian Thorpe (Thorpedo) (1:44.06). The 21-year-old Phelps won with the new record 1:43.86 over Dutch athlete and former world-record holder Pieter van den Hoogenband. According to Phelps, “To be able to come in to Australia and to be able to take down that record was not unexpected but it wasn't really what I thought I was going to do tonight. I definitely didn't think I'd be the first man to break 1:44."

Next to set a new record was Coughlin in the 100 backstroke winning with 59.44. Next was Piersol in the 100 backstroke winning by half a second with 52.98.