Competing at the Far West International Championship in California, the youngster clocked a time of 1:09:38 seconds – improving Phelps’ achievement at the same age by more than a second.

The record had remained unbroken for 23 years after being set by 23-time Olympic gold medalist Phelps back when he was 10.

Along with his record performance in the butterfly, the young swimmer also finished first in six other swimming events, completing his improbable run in California with seven gold medals.

"This kid is unlike any other young man that I've ever coached," coach Dia Riana was quoted as saying by CNN. "He's always stood out, he's just, he's kind of a savant of sorts."

"I love swimming because I have a lot of people supporting me and my coaches are always there for me and my parents are always there," said newly-crowned champion Clark Kent – who is unsurprisingly nicknamed “Superman.”