Some said it would take Superman to break the record held by Michael Phelps since 1995. Well, Superman just did and his name really is Clark Kent.
Over the weekend, 10-year-old Clark competed at the Far West International Championship in California, where he won the 100-meter butterfly in 1:09:38.
That’s more than a full second better than the 100-meter butterfly record that Phelps set at the championship in 1995.
Michael Phelps
It had gone unbroken since, while Phelps went on to win 28 Olympic medals.
Even more impressive, Clark has only been swimming competitively for four years.
“This kid is unlike any other young man that I’ve ever coached,” Clark’s coach Dia Riana said. “He’s always stood out, he’s just, he’s kind of a savant of sorts.”
Clark’s supernatural abilities aren’t confined to the pool.
“He does piano lessons, he does martial arts, and at school, if there’s a computer class, coding, or STEM programs, he’s always joining,” his father, Chris Apuada, said.
Clark says the load doesn’t get too heavy.
“I deal with it really well, I just have to balance,” he said.
“I love swimming because I have a lot of people supporting me and my coaches are always there for me and my parents are always there,” Clark said.
To others trying to discover their own powers, Clark believes it’s a matter of determination.
“Dream big,” he said, “and always focus on your dreams and have fun.”
