Roland Schoeman blazed his way into the South African sporting history books on Monday, becoming the country's first world swimming champion with a record breaking victory in the 50-metre butterfly. (AP)

Roland Schoeman blazed his way into the South African sporting history books on Monday, becoming the country's first world swimming champion with a record breaking victory in the 50-metre butterfly.

Smashing his own world mark, Schoeman charged to the wall in a winning time of 22.96 seconds, 0.05 faster than it took to win his semi-final on Sunday.

After setting two new marks in as many days, however, Schoeman was not so much interested in world records as he was interested in the world.

"I think we're at such a terrible point in the world, I'd like to take in upon myself to be a pioneer for swimming, not just for Africa but the world," said Schoeman, who lives and trains in Arizona.

"I think the more money and exposure we get for swimming will benefit us all.

"I am an African. I'm a South African. In Africa we have a race problem and I think we should void that.

"Not bad for an African, not bad for a South African, not bad for a human."

Schoeman's reasons for becoming a swimmer were not always as lofty, taking up the sport as a child because he wanted to impress a girl.

However, the 25-year-old's ability has also impressed others, including former South African president Nelson Mandela, who he met on his return from last year's Athens Olympics.

Schoeman was still impressing people on Monday as he thrashed his way down the Montreal pool to gold.

He made a flying start off the blocks and quickly built up a lead which he never looked like relinquishing , leaving former world record holder Ian Crocker of the U.S. in his wake.

Crocker took silver in 23.12 and Sergiy Breus of Ukraine the bronze in 23.38.

"I always think it's hard coming into a final of an event, when you've got an Ian Crocker, a former world record-holder in the race," Schoeman said.

"Swimming your best time in a final is unexpected."

Already South Africa's most decorated Olympians when he won gold, silver and bronze in Athens, Schoeman can add to his world championship total when he returns to the pool later in the week in the 50 and 100 metre freestyle events.

(Agencies)