2021 FINA WORLD CUP STOP #2 – BUDAPEST
- Thursday, October 7th – Saturday, October 9th
- Duna Arena, Budapest, Hungary
- SCM (25m)
- SwimSwam Preview
- Day 1 Prelims Recap/Day 1 Finals Recap
- Day 2 Prelims Recap/Day 2 Finals Recap
- Day 3 Prelims Recap
- Results
Age is just a number for American Tom Shields, as the 30-year-old just put up a huge new personal best and national record in the men’s 50m butterfly.
While competing on the final day of action in Budapest, Hungary for this second stop on the 2021 FINA World Cup circuit, Shields busted out a time of 21.99 to beat the field here by .25 but also beat out multi-Olympic gold medalist Caeleb Dressel‘s American record in this event.
Dressel had held the record at the 22.04 he produced during season 2 of the International Swimming League (ISL). As such, Shields’ 21.99 renders him as the first American to ever get under the 22-second threshold in this short course 50 butterfly event. Prior to this meet, Shields held a personal best of 22.09 from just last week in Berlin.
Expanding globally, Shields now ranks as the 6th fastest man ever, booting Dressel to slot #7.
Top 7 Men’s SCM 50 Fly Performers All-Time
- Nicolas Santos (BRA), 21.75 2018
- Steffen Deibler (GER), 21.80 2009
- Szebasztian Szabo (HUN), 21.86 2020
- Roland Schoeman (RSA), 21.87 2009
- Chad Le Clos (RSA), 21.95, 2014
- Tom Shields (USA), 21.99 2021
- Caeleb Dressel (USA), 22.04 2020
I knew Schoeman was old, but I didn’t know he was around in the year 209
Tom Shields is King Midas🥇in Budapest Hungary!!!
My guy is about to break 48 in the 100
The SC 100 fly record already is under 48.
Wow that sure means that shields can’t swim a 100fly under 48 seconds ..
„Mister 17.6 no fins“ is about to go 21.6 by the end of the season
Ok I’m a big ben proud fan and even I know he’s probably not going to go 21. let alone a 21.6
“Mister 17.6 no fins” is Caeleb Remel Dressel, not Proud.
Yep just realised how stupid I was and i can’t even edit it anymore so i guess its now a “how many downvotes can this comment get” comment.
I actually love Tom Shields
Tom is a fascinating guy, he’s a true pros pro, he’s really thoughtful, he’s smart, he understands the game…if he decides to stay ‘in it,’ he would be a great long term fit for a job like head of the athletes’ association, or on a board of USA Swimming or FINA.
Remember like 2-3 years ago when it seemed like Shields was on his way out? Crazy to see this rejuvenation come from him.
Antidepressants and therapy work. Sad that so many elite swimmers wait too long or don’t go there at all. Good for Tom.
Shields the man!
WHAT