Michael Phelps, World Record Breaker

Tonight in Day One of his U.S. Olympics trials, nineteen year-old Michael Phelps set a world record in the 400-meter individual medley. He broke his own record with a time of 4 minutes, 8.41 seconds. His previous record of 4:09.09 was set at last year's world championship in Barcelona. Phelps also holds the world record in the 200, where he has the five fastest times in history.

Michael Phelps

Phelps' performance and Erik Vendt's time of 4:14.09 qualify the pair for a spot on the Olympic team, which is heading to Greece next month.

Eric Vendt

Vendt (1/9/81) is from North Easton, Massachusetts. At the 2000 games, he won a silver medal in the same event.

Phelps' goal was conveyed by his coach Bob Bowman. In addition to preparing for Gold, he is preparing to beat Mark Spitz' record. Bowman said, ""He knows he's on the right track. But there's a long way to go and a lot of good swimmers in the way."

At the Munich Games in 1972, Mark Spitz earned seven Gold Medals. This amazing performance led to Time Magazine running a special story called An Olympian Wave of Records. Time placed Spitz on the cover of their September 11th, 1972 issue.

Phelps, who is from Baltimore, has entered six individual events at the eight-day trials. He also will to try to qualify in the 100- and 200-meter butterfly, the 200-meter backstroke, the 200-meter freestyle and the 200-meter individual medley. The 200-meter freestyle preliminaries and semifinals will be held tomorrow. The U.S. Swimming Team trials are taking place in Long Beach, California.

Congratulations Phelps, Vendt, Bowman and all those who are helping these dedicated record-breaking athletes get to Athens.

And thank you Mark Spitz for inspiring them to reach new heights.

Inspire & Be Inspired.

Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful and record-breaking living!

~Jennifer King