BRAZILIAN Nicholas Santos superbly won the men’s 50m butterfly at the age of 41 while Margaret MacNeil triumphed in the women’s 50m backstroke with a new world record at the 15th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) on Monday.

On the fifth competition day, Santos pushed himself forward in the 50m butterfly final where his rivals were at least 11 years younger than him.

The Brazilian veteran was 0.12 behind the Championships record which was set by himself three years ago but comfortably defended his title in 21.93 seconds.

“I have my own company. I have to work. I also have a son to take care of, so I’m changing my life now,” said Santos who also won this event at the Istanbul World Championships (25m) in 2012.

“But at the same time, the competition still gives me great feelings. I simply love races. I still cannot live without them.”

MacNeil, 20 years younger than Santos, contributed another highlight on Monday. The reigning world and Olympic champion in the 100m butterfly showed her power in the 50m backstroke this time, slicing 0.33 seconds off the world record to win her first individual gold at short-course worlds in 25.27 seconds.

Chinese teenager Tang Qianting edged Sophie Hansson to win the women’s 100m breaststroke in 1:03.47. The Swede was only 0.03 seconds behind.

Tang’s teammate Yu Yiting broke the world junior record in the women’s 200m individual medley in 2:04.48 but had to settle for a silver medal as Canadian Sydney Pickrem touched the wall first in 2:04.29.(Xinhua)