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Texas high school swimmer beats record set by Michael Phelps

'I’m just left speechless to be compared to the GOAT.'

Texas high school swimmer beats NAG record set by Michael Phelps.

You don't have to be into the Olympics or even into swimming in general to know who Michael Phelps is. His record-shattering proclivity is well known around the globe and as the most decorated swimmer, with 28 Olympic medals, he's earned his name recognition.

Just so happens, there's a Texas teen who is eyeing Phelps' records and took a break from his studies to break one. Maximus Williamson, a sophomore at Keller High School near Fort Worth, Texas, has had his heart set on breaking the Olympian's record since 2021, but came up short that year. This year, with another strong swimmer flanking him and coming up fast, he channeled his inner fish apparently because he shattered Phelps' national age group (15-16) record in the 400-yard individual medley—one of the toughest of the swim races.

In 2002, a 16-year-old Phelps set the NAG record for 400-yard IM with a time of 3:42.08; and Williamson came in at 3:39.83, breaking the 20-year record, according to a press release from the Keller Independent School District. Williamson, who swims for the Keller High School swim team, was competing in the 2022 Winter Junior Nationals competition in Austin and swimming for the Lakeside Aquatic Club at the time. "Breaking 40 [seconds] was a goal for me. I was so close to it last year … I think that's what pushed me the most," said the 16-year-old phenom.

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