Peirsol Makes Statement in Lonestar State

COLLEGE STATION, Texas, June 24. THE last time Aaron Peirsol saw major action, he walked away from the World Championships with another world record, becoming the first man in history to break the 53-second barrier in the 100-meter backstroke. The effort was vintage Peirsol, who has been the undisputed king of the dorsal events for the better part of this decade.

Peirsol, however, also suffered an unusual development while Down Under, as he claimed the silver medal in the 200 backstroke behind American teammate Ryan Lochte, who set a world record with a time of 1:54.32. Despite the setback, it would have been ridiculous to see Peirsol as giving way to Lochte, as one loss in seven years hardly suggests a changing of the guard. If nothing else, Lochte and Peirsol are sure to push one another to greater heights.

Well, over the weekend, Peirsol showed why he's been one of the United States' top guns since his teenage years, which included winning a silver medal at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney in the 200 backstroke. Competing at the Texas Senior Circuit meet at Texas A&M, Peirsol won his prime events and also made some noise in events atypical for his schedule.

In addition to winning the 100 back in 54.89 and the 200 back in 1:56.91, Peirsol tossed in a triumph in the 200 individual medley, thanks to a mark of 2:03.13, impressive for mid-training. He also prevailed in the 400 free (3:57.96). For good measure, Peirsol took second in the 100 butterfly in 53.34 and second in the 200 freestyle in 1:50.59.

While the Senior Circuit event doesn't rival any international competition, the meet showed Peirsol's range, particularly in the results of his 200 free and 200 I.M. Over the next few months, especially at the French Open in early August, look for Peirsol to make a run at reclaiming his world mark in the 200 back. Certainly, his training suggests the possibility.

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