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SWIMMING • Michael Phelps is back on top of the podium.

The 29-year-old American, swimming in his first international meet since coming out of retirement, helped the United States win the 4x200-meter relay Friday at the Pan Pacific championships in Australia.

"Being able to get back on the podium — it feels amazing," Phelps said. "It's a good first day. Good first international meet back. There's no better way to finish this, lovely, rainy night then being able to step up with your teammates and win a gold medal."

Phelps finished fourth in his first final — the 100 free — but he later swam the second leg of the relay and watched as Matt McLean overhauled Takeshi Matsuda of Japan on the last lap. In the 100, 20-year-old Cameron McEvoy of Australia won in 47.82 seconds in pouring rain at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre's outdoor pool. Olympic gold medalist Nathan Adrian of the United States was second in 48.30 and James Magnussen, the two-time world champion from Australia, was third.

Phelps, who retired after the London Olympics but returned to competition four months ago, was just off the podium in 48.51. He also took a more long-term view, saying he was "learning all the time" and knew what he needed to improve before the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Britain's Peaty sets breaststroke record

SWIMMING • Adam Peaty of Britain has set a world record in the 50-meter breaststroke, finishing in 26.62 seconds in a semifinal heat at the European Swimming Championship on Friday in Berlin.

Peaty appeared amazed at the end and needed a few moments to realize that he had set a new mark.

The old record of 26.67 seconds belonged to Cameron van der Burgh of South Africa, set on July 29, 2009, in Rome.

Orozco leads at U.S. men's championship

GYMNASTICS • John Orozco grabbed the early lead in the U.S. men's gymnastics championships on Friday, posting an all-around score of 90.750 to top a crowded field.

Orozco, the 2012 national champion, continued his steady recovery from a knee injury nearly two years ago by putting together six solid rotations. He posted the highest scores of the night on parallel bars and high bar as he nudged his way ahead of some familiar faces.

Jake Dalton is second, followed by Danell Leyva and defending champion Sam Mikulak, who bounced back from some uncharacteristic early mistakes to climb within striking distance of Orozco heading into Sunday's final.

Bayern favored in $1.25 million stakes

HORSE RACing • The 145th running of the $1.25 million Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Course is set for Saturday, with the speedy Bayern a 2-to-1 favorite.

Bayern is trained by Bob Baffert and was impressive in winning the $1 million Haskell Invitational in his most recent start. But the 3-year-old colt will face strong competition in the 1 ΒΌ-mile Mid-Summer Derby. Bayern ran into early traffic trouble in the Preakness, never getting into the race and finishing ninth.

Bayern and jockey Martin Garcia will break from post two in a 10-horse field.

From wire reports