A Young Swimmer Named Clark Kent Just Beat Michael Phelps’ Swimming Record

A 10-year-old boy from California is making quite the splash in competitive swimming. In fact, young Clark Kent Apuada (yes, that’s his real name!) just did something few people have managed: He broke a swimming record set by Michael Phelps. Yes, we are talking about the 28-Olympic-medal winner.

The junior swimmer, who is known as “Superman” (of course), competed in the Far West International Championship. In one of his events, the 100-meter butterfly, he easily won the race with a record time of 1:09:38. The previous record had been held by none other than Phelps since 1995 — and Clark Kent beat it by more than a second.

The swimming Superman’s reaction to breaking such an illustrious record was as mild-mannered as the Clark Kent name implies:

“If I have positive thoughts, then positive things will happen,” he told “CBS Evening News.”

He must have had a lot of positive vibes flowing during the championships because he won seven events there.

The feat didn’t go unnoticed by the boy’s sports idol: Phelps took a moment to hop on Twitter and congratulate the new record holder.

When CBS correspondent Jamie Yuccas showed the boy Phelps’ tweet, his reaction was priceless.

As humble as Clark Kent is, his swimming coach Dia Riana has no problem talking up the young phenom.

“This kid is unlike any other young man that I’ve ever coached,” Riana said. “He’s always stood out, he’s just, he’s kind of a savant of sorts.”

But there’s more to him than his life in the pool. He also enjoys playing piano, coding and martial arts, according to his father, Chris Apuada. And, yes, as you might have guessed Clark Kent’s superhero name was not an accident. His mother, Cynthia Apuada, said she liked the name Clark and her husband’s favorite superhero is Superman, so Clark Kent seemed like a natural fit.

Clark Kent has only been swimming competitively for four years. Yet, he does have a goal of swimming in the 2024 Summer Olympics.

via GIPHY

“Dream big,” he said, “and always focus on your dreams and have fun.”

With a positive attitude like that, we have no doubt this young swimmer will go far!

RELATED: These pools are made from recycled shipping containers!