Keller High School sophomore Maximus Williamson broke swimming’s world record in the 400-Meter Individual Medley for the 15-16 National Age Group (NAG), a record that had been set by decorated Olympian Michael Phelps two decades ago.
Williamson was competing at the 2022 Speedo Winter Junior Championships in Austin on December 9 as a member of the Lakeside Aquatic Club when he recorded a time of 3:39.83, which was more than two seconds faster than Phelps’s record of 3:42.08 that had stood since 2002.
Williamson’s swimming coach at Keller High School, Jamie Shults, noted just how impactful breaking one of Phelps’s records could be.
“Michael Phelps is the most well-known swimmer of all time, so even people who don’t know swimming know Phelps … truly an extraordinary accomplishment,” Shults said.
“Maximus is such a great kid and athlete,” she added. “He has been a phenomenal leader on our team and pushes everyone to do their best.”
Williamson and Phelps are the only two to ever record times under three minutes and 44 seconds at the age of 16. Matt Fallon, Carson Foster, and Sean Grieshop all went just over that mark at the same age in recent years.
“It’s hard to grasp the concept of what just happened,” Williamson told the media after breaking the record. “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.”
“No one’s ever done it in the sport,” he added to The Dallas Express. “So, I was like, I’m going to be the first.”
Williamson told The Dallas Express that he started swimming when he was about 9 and began participating in major competitions at age 10. He credits some of his success to his experiences playing football and wrestling at that time.
“I got a little more athleticism, but I was a skinny kid when I was younger, and I could run. It’s definitely helped me a little bit.”
Williamson’s world record places him among an elite class of competitors, as Phelps has 28 Olympic medals to his credit. But, through all his accomplishments, Williamson maintains a level head and a strong work ethic.
“I’ve just been focusing on practice because I missed a bunch of stuff,” he told The Dallas Express in an interview. “Sloppy details. So, I’ve been trying to clean up my technique. … I just want to be the best. It’s hard because [right now] there’s so many great athletes and swimmers. But I think I can do it eventually.
“I always put pressure on myself,” he continued. “Not so much that it’s overwhelming but just enough to keep me pushing and wanting more.”
Williamson participated in a number of other competitions during the event and set more NAG records in the 200-yard freestyle and the 200-yard backstroke. The 200-yard backstroke record had previously been held by four-time Olympic gold medalist Ryan Murphy, whom Williamson said reached out to him via Instagram.
“I was kind of shocked at first,” he said. “I didn’t even know I had the (backstroke) record. It (Murphy reaching out) showed character. I liked that.”
Williamson is ranked as one of the top swimmers in Texas and the United States and is considered one of the rising stars in the swimming community. Breaking a record held by the great Michael Phelps might just be the beginning.
“Maximus will certainly be a D1 collegiate athlete and has the potential to be on the U.S. Olympic team, he is such a talented young man that there is nothing he can’t accomplish,” Shults told The Dallas Express.