Philippine Amateur Swimming Association (PASA) President Mark Joseph, in a text message to the Bulletin, said Yu’s time surpassed the 52.2 seconds registered by the now-retired Ryan Papa in the early 1990s.

Yu, a 17-year-old Business Administration student at the University of the Philippines and a member of coach Dennis Cordero’s stable of swimmers, overcame the jitters that are normal to a neophyte in the world championships and was amply rewarded by ending up 43rd in a field of 117 entries.

"The usual reaction of first timers in this level of competition is either fight or fright. Ken fought like a veteran and his efforts paid off," Joseph said.

Ron Guiriba, the other half of a two-man Philippine delegation, competed in the same event and although he too accounted himself well, according to Joseph, he was not that spectacular as his teammate.