Cast a Glance Toward Paris

PARIS, France, July 19. WHILE many of the top American athletes will gather at the Indiana University Natatorium for the United States Summer Nationals from July 31-August 4, remember to keep an eye on Paris. Facing top-flight competition across the pond, the likes of Aaron Peirsol and Amanda Beard will highlight their summer seasons in a different venue. Don't be surprised if both athletes deliver exceptional performances.

Last week, at the Texas Senior Circuit Championships, Peirsol used the low-profile competition to send a statement to the rest of the world. Not only did Peirsol, the finest backstroker in history, pop a spectacular time of 1:55.46 in the 200 distance, he also dipped below the two-minute barrier in the 200 butterfly, an event hardly a focus for the Southern California native. The effort in the fly was just another indication of Peirsol's vast talent.

At the World Championships in Melbourne earlier this year, Peirsol became the first individual to crack the 53-second barrier in the 100 backstroke. Yet, in the 200 backstroke, Peirsol earned the silver medal while American teammate Ryan Lochte established a world record. With Peirsol's 1:55 showing in the 200 back at the Senior Circuit Champs, it seems the Longhorn Aquatics standout might be just a few weeks away from regaining his global standard. Yes, Peirsol seems poised to go 1:54-low (maybe faster) in Paris, a possibility that will undoubtedly raise eyebrows in Indy, where Lochte is also likely to challenge the world record.

As for Beard, her appearance in Paris won't be so much about chasing world records. Rather, it will be interesting to see where the three-time Olympian stands in her drive toward next year's Olympic Trials in Omaha. Beard has been away from major competition since the 2004 Olympics in Athens and there's no way to determine where she stands. For that reason, Paris will serve as a barometer and will play a role in indicating whether Beard will be ready to challenge the likes of Tara Kirk, Megan Jendrick, Rebecca Soni and Caitlin Leverenz for a berth to Beijing.

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