Despite what Hill Taylor says, the world record for the 50-meter backstroke is 24.04, but the 23-year-old phenom from the University of Texas will tell you it's actually a second below that.

That's because during a recent competition, Taylor, a seven-time All-American swimmer who goes by the nickname "Dolphin Man," swam the event in an incredible 23.1 seconds, almost a full second faster than the current record.

But Taylor, known for his almost-unnatural ability to streamline underwater, obviously wanted to prove something to the spectators in attendance, so he swam the event illegally and the record will remain unchanged. But how do you swim illegally, short of strapping a powerboat motor to your back? Try doing it completely underwater.

FINA, the sport's international governing body, states that for the backstroke:

Some part of the swimmer must break the surface of the water throughout the race, except it shall be permissible for the swimmer to be completely submerged during the turn and for a distance of not more than 15 meters after the start and each turn. By that point, the head must have broken the surface.

Hill obviously goes a bit farther than 15 meters. Though illegal and only for the crowd's amusement, it's still quite impressive.

Thumbnail photo: Flickr/lokner, CC