That Kid's Got Game: 10-year-old swimmer beats Michael Phelps' 1995 record
Clark Kent Apuada beat Michael Phelps' 1995 record in the 100-meter butterfly by more than one second.
MORAGA, Calif. (KTVU) - It took Superman to beat Michael Phelps’ record. Well, sort of.
His real name is Clark Kent Apuada -- (you see the superhero connection?). Clark's a 10-year-old swimmer, aptly nicknamed Superman, from Central California. He swims for the Monterey County Aquatic Team in Salinas and he recently beat Phelps’ seemingly unbeatable 1995 youth record in the 100-meter butterfly. Phelps set it when he was 10, too.
Not only did Clark beat it, but he did so by more than full second. For that, he’s this week’s talent on That Kid’s Got Game.
Phelps, a 28-medal Olympian, recorded an astounding 1:10:48 23 years ago. And that record stuck until the Far West International Championship for swimming in Moraga last weekend when Clark etched a 1:09:38 into the history books
“Always have fun and never give up on your dreams no matter what anyone says,” Clark said. “That was one of my dreams, since I was 7, to beat Michael Phelps’ record.”
Mobile users click here to watch Clark break the record
Clark’s coach, Dia Rianda, says he’s been on a hot streak, recently setting three Pacific swimming records on the short course. So heading into this meet, Rianda anticipated a record being set.
“We knew it was absolutely possible,” she said. “He executed the first half perfectly and had a great turn. We knew then it was a record pace.”
Rianda says Clark progressed very quickly after joining the swim team when he was seven. And, by traditional standards, he doesn’t train much. Rather than grinding morning and afternoon for extra yardage, Clark trains for an hour and a half five times a week with a focus technique, fundamentals and learning “what makes us fast in the pool.” And Superman's skills aren't limited to the pool.
“He’s incredible. He’s a musician, scientist, artist and martial artist,” said co-coach Travis Rianda. “He’s an incredible human being. He’s what I strive to achieve.”
And that nearly unreachable record was at the end of a 100-meter butterfly competition. That’s not an easy stroke, especially for a 10-year-old kid. Not only did Clark beat arguably the greatest swimmer of all time’s record, but he beat his competition by more than five seconds.
“And the kids he competes against are no slouches,” Rianda said.
She recalled the moment Clark’s time was displayed. It didn’t register immediately for him, she said. He hadn’t reacted yet. “It takes a second to sink in,” she said.
But then it hit him, lifting his body in celebration.
“All of a sudden he bolted out of the water, raised his hands and screamed,” Rianda said.
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