American Caeleb Dressel has heralded a new era in world swimming with a seven medal haul at the world championships in Hungary .
American swimmer Caeleb Dressel Photo: Supplied
As the swimming meet closed in Budapest, the 20 year old equalled compatriot Michael Phelps's 10-year-old record of seven gold medals at a single world championships.
Dressel secured his place in the record books as the United States won gold in the men's 4x100 metres medley relay, in which he swam the butterfly leg.
Michael Phelps Photo: AFP
Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, won seven gold medals at the world champs in Melbourne in 2007.
The 20-year-old Dressel underlined his credentials as the world's fastest starter in breathtaking fashion at the Duna Arena when he broke away on the butterfly.
Dressel had already won three individual golds and three relay titles in Budapest.
The Florida student also helped the U.S. to record their best-ever world championship haul, with 38 medals.
"I've never had it happen so I don't really know what to say," he told reporters.
"I'm going to take a little break in Europe, go to Poland and Scotland and just enjoy myself.
"It was probably the most fun I've had in eight days. It was an absolute blast getting to do what I love."
