ROME - Ryan Lochte of the United States smashed the men's 200 metres individual medley world record at the world swimming championships in Rome Thursday, touching in 1:54.10.

The previous record of 1:54.23 was held by fellow-countryman Michael Phelps, set winning gold at the 2008 Olympics.

European record holder Laszlo Cseh was second in 1:55.24, while bronze went to American Eric Shanteau in 1:55.36.

Since 2003 the world record for this event is held by American athletes.

World record evolution (Time, Name/Nationality, Place, Date):
1:54.10 Ryan Lochte USA Rome 30.07.09
1:54.23 Michael Phelps USA Beijing 15.08.08
1:54.80 Michael Phelps USA Omaha 04.07.08
1:54.98 Michael Phelps USA Melbourne 29.03.07
1:55.84 Michael Phelps USA Victoria 21.08.06
1:55.94 Michael Phelps USA College Park 09.08.03
1:56.04 Michael Phelps USA Barcelona 24.07.03
1:57.52 Michael Phelp USA Barcelona 24.07.03
1:57.94 Michael Phelps USA Santa Clara 29.06.03
1:58.16 Jani Sievinen FIN Rome 11.09.94

Related articles:

Olympic swimming, 200 medley, Phelps adds gold and record. Cseh European mark
Aug 15, 2008