Olympic Preview: Men’s 200 Backstroke

By John Lohn

CRANBURY, New Jersey, May 20. OF all the events on the Olympic slate, the men's 200-meter backstroke must have the United States yearning for three berths. But, each nation is limited to a pair of entries, meaning one American – if the Big Three battle it out – will be left on the outside looking in. Whichever Americans race in Beijing, they'll be the heavy favorites for gold and silver.

Historical Perspective

Defending Champion: Aaron Peirsol (United States) – 1:54.95.
World-Record Holder: Ryan Lochte (United States) – 1:54.32.
Most Titles: United States (Six): Jed Graef (1964); John Naber (1976); Rick Carey (1984); Brad Bridgewater (1996); Lenny Krayzelburg (2000); Aaron Peirsol (2004).
Notable: The United States will try to run its gold-medal streak in the event to four this summer. If Aaron Peirsol can repeat his title, he'll join Roland Matthes (1968/1972) as the only back-to-back victors.

Here's a look at the leading contenders.

Aaron Peirsol:
The reigning Olympic champion, Peirsol has been the most dominant performer in the event since 2001. While he finished second at last year's World Championships, Peirsol no doubt has the ability to regain his perch as No. 1 in the world. He won the event at the Santa Clara Grand Prix and likely has a 1:53 effort in his arsenal.

Ryan Lochte:
The multi-event standout posted a world record at last year's World Champs in Melbourne, going 1:54.32 for the gold medal. Lochte didn't contest this event at the 2004 Olympics, but he'll be among the favorites if he can successfully navigate the American Trials. Lochte will try to race both backstrokes in Beijing and will be considered a medal favorite in both if he qualifies.

Michael Phelps:
Because of his many options, Michael Phelps might not contest this event at the United States Trials. However, if he opts to race the 200 back, he'll be a major player in the battle for a Beijing bid. Last year, at Summer Nationals, Phelps produced a sterling time of 1:54.65, making him the third-fastest performer in history.

Markus Rogan:
The Austrian and Stanford product captured the silver medal at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. The bronze medalist at the World Champs last year, Rogan collected the gold medal earlier this year at the European Championships, thanks to a time of 1:55.85. Rogan certainly will be in the medal mix once again.

Arkady Vyatchanin:
The Russian has been a factor on the international scene for the past few years. Vyatchanin won the silver medal at the European Championships in March with a clocking of 1:57.04. At the World Championships last year, Vyatchanin was fourth, just outside of the medals. For a podium position, he'll need to drop into the 1:55 range at minimum.

Ryosuke Irie:
The Japanese record-holder stamped his berth to Beijing in April and is the best medal hope from his nation, but work remains to climb into that realm. Irie turned in his best performance in January, when he clocked a time of 1:56.53.

British Boys:
Gregor Tait earned the first Great Britain bid to the Olympics when he produced a time of 1:56.67 at his Trials. A second improvement will be necessary for medal contention. The same can be said for James Goddard, who went 1:56.82 at the British Trials.

Other Contenders:
Hayden Stoeckel (1:56.75) and Ashley Delaney (1:57.53) will represent Australia in Beijing after posting solid times at their Trials. Romania's Razvan Florea, the European Champs bronze medalist, has also been 1:57.53 this year and Germany's Helge Meeuw (1:57.92) is another European to watch. Meanwhile, keep an eye on David Cromwell. The American will have to get through the gauntlet of the U.S. Trials, but he's immensely talented and continually rising up the international ranks. Another American to follow is Chris DeJong, who was 1:56.75 last year.

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