Gold medallist Paul Biedermann of Germany (C) celebrates on the podium with silver medallist Michael Phelps of the U.S. (L) and bronze medallist Danila Izotov of Russia after the men's 200m freestyle swimming final at the World Championships in Rome July 28, 2009. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

Michael Phelps of the U.S. was upset by Paul Biederman of Germany on Tuesday in the 200-meter freestyle at the world swimming championships in Rome.

Swimming at the Foro Italico sports complex, Biederman won the race by setting a new world record.

Biederman completed the race in 1 minute and 42 seconds, while Phelps finished at 1:43.22. The previous world record, held by Phelps, was 1 minute 42.96 seconds.

Biederman won the race going away, pulling ahead strongly at the end.

Phelps became a worldwide sensation at last year’s Beijing Olympics when he won eight gold medals.

“It still feels like a dream”, Biedermann said after the race, according to Deutsche Wele. “It was very tough, the last meters really hurt. But it was a great race and it’s a great feeling to beat Michael Phelps.”

Phelps was conciliatory.

I have to accept that Paul was the better swimmer, he said. He had a strong year. I simply was not strong enough to challenge him. Congratulations.

Russia’s Danila Issotov won third place with a time of 1 minute 43:90 seconds.

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