Piersol Qualifies First in 200 Back with Trials Record -- August 13, 2000

By Kari Lydersen

Kyle Salyards's surprise win in the 200 breast was followed up with another surprise swim by a young up-and-comer, as 17-year-old Aaron Piersol set a new Olympic Trials record in qualifying first in the 200 back.
Piersol's 1:57.93 qualified for finals ahead of world record-holder Lenny Krayzelburg, who won the second heat in a smooth 1:58.10. (Krayzelburg's world record of 1:55.87 was set last August.)
Piersol broke Royce Sharp's 1992 Trials mark of 1:58.66.
Piersol won his heat by many body lengths, while Krayzelburg hung behind Brian Walters until the 150 and then pulled gracefully ahead of the field.
Tate Blahnik qualified third in 1:59.18, and Walters was fourth in 1:59.99. Fifth was Marc Lindsay (2:00.77), sixth was the1996 Olympic gold medalist in this event, Brad Bridgewater (2:00.89), seventh was Joey Faltraco (2:01.22) and eighth was Daniel Shevchik (2:01.36).

For live results feeds check the OMEGA TIMING site.

Full results and schedule of events are available from US Swimming