BERLIN, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Britain's Adam Peaty set a world record in the men's 50 meters breaststroke on Friday, clocking 26.62 seconds in a semifinal heat at the European swimming championships in Berlin.

The 19-year-old took 0.05 seconds off Cameron van der Burgh's previous world mark set in the 2009 world championships in Rome when swimmers were still using high-tech, performance-enhancing full body suits.

Peaty appeared amazed at the end of the race.

"I feel absolutely amazing. I had to look at that scoreboard about five times before I knew I had broken it," he said.

"I haven't got any words for it. I haven't broken a world record before so I don't know how it feels. Hopefully it will sink in by tomorrow so I can get my head down and hopefully get a better performance out of myself.

"I didn't expect this result even if I was close to the world record at the Commonwealth Games.

"It was not a perfect race due to my final touch so I can still improve tomorrow."

At the recent Commonwealth Games, Peaty came second to Van der Burgh over 50 meters, but beat the Olympic champion in the 100.

Peaty won the 100 meters breaststroke gold medal on Tuesday in Berlin and added another one in the new mixed relay event with Britain.