Le Clos makes history in World 200m butterfly final

Chad Le Clos

Barcelona - South African Chad Le Clos made history here when he became the first non-European or American swimmer to win a World Championship gold medal in the 200 metres butterfly.

The man, who beat Michael Phelps to gold in the same event in London in 2012, produced a powerful last lap Wednesday after it looked as if he was fading against the challenge of Pawel Korzeniowski, who holds the fastest time of the year, reports Xinhua.

Meanwhile, China’s Wu Peng also produced a strong last 50 metres taking the bronze medal and also making history.

Wu is only the second man to win four medals in this discipline and joins the great Phelps with this honour, although it should be pointed out Phelps won five gold medals.

Wu Peng’s long career saw him win bronze in the 2005 World Championships, silver in 2007 and bronze in Shanghai 2011.