A British Columbian swimmer returned home triumphant Monday afternoon after a legendary win over superstar Olympian Michael Phelps this weekend in California.

Mission, B.C., native Brent Hayden beat the 14-time gold medalist in the 100 metre freestyle event at the Santa Clara US Grand Prix competition Sunday.

Hayden led most of the race, clocking a meet record of 48.44 seconds to win him the gold. Phelps made a second half charge out of lane eight to win the silver in 48.87.

Hayden was understandably ecstatic after the meet.

"I was really excited," he said.

"Michael is such a great competitor and every time I get up and race him it's such an honour. I just wanted to get a fast time and 48.44 is my best ever in-season (training) time so of course I'm going to be excited.

"A few years ago at this pool, he beat me on the turn and I didn't want that to happen again ... I had one my stronger turns."

Hayden's coach Tom Johnson was equally impressed.

"The level of the field was really strong and Brent rose to the occasion," Johnson said. "Anytime you can win a race against Michael Phelps it's a good thing. It's a good indicator and puts him into the mix with just over a month to go before the world championships."

Hayden, 25, is currently the Canadian record holder in the 200m, 100m and 50m freestyle.

In 2007, Hayden's hometown of Mission declared May 26 "Brent Hayden Day."

Hayden qualified one place ahead of Michael Phelps at the 2008 Beijing Games, but finished out of the finals in the 100m freestyle.

Phelps went on to win eight gold medals at the Games, making him a world record holder for the most medals at a single Olympics.

Phelps' win surpassed Mark Spitz's record of seven golds during the Munich games in 1972.

With files from The Sports Network