A 10-year-old boy with a superhero name has broken the fastest swimming record, previously held by Olympic champion, MichaelPhelps, for 23 years.
Clark Kent Apuada, a swimmer for the Monterey County Aquatic Team, competed at the Far West International Championship in California last weekend, where he won the 100-meter butterfly in a little over one minute—1:09:38 to be exact.
With a Superman namesake, Clark tapped into his super powers and came out more than a second better than the 100-meter butterfly record that Michael Phelps set at the championship in 1995. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Yet, what’s even more notable, is that the record-breaking child 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 told CNN. “He’s always stood out, he’s just, he’s kind of a savant of sorts.”
However, swimming isn’t the only activity Clark is involved in. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
“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.
At a young age, Clark has learned to multi-task and tells CNN: “I deal with it really well, I just have to balance.”
“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 continued.
Defeating a professional swimmer with 28 Olympic medals is quite the accomplishment. Yet, Clark believes it’s a matter of determination.
“Dream big,” he said, “and always focus on your dreams and have fun.”
