Bare-Chested Phelps Rebounds With Record

Michael Phelps today rebounded from yesterday's stunning loss by shattering his own world record in the 200-meter butterfly at the FINA World Championships in Rome, ABC News reports. Phelps achieved the feat without a full-body suit, wearing only an ankle-to-waist version. In his loss yesterday, he lost to a swimmer wearing the most high-tech of suits, which will eventually be banned. “He swam that 200 meters pissed off,” an insider said of today's race.

“I tried to hang on in the last 50 meters and I was able to,” Phelps said afterward. “I wanted to step on it real hard in the first 100.” Phelps finished the first 50 meters in just 24.7 seconds. “That is ridiculous,” the insider said. “He never swims like that.” Phelps played down the suit controversy, saying he switched because the full-body version felt too tight in warmups. The win marks his 34th world championship, breaking another Mark Spitz record. (More Michael Phelps stories.)