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By Stephen J Thomas
ATHENS, Greece. August 19. IN a shocking turn of events, American world record-holder Aaron Peirsol has been disqualified for an illegal turn at the 150-mark, after he easily won the final of the men's 200 meter backstroke in 1:54.95, the second fastest swim in history.
Peirsol's world record, set at the US Trials, is 1:54.74.
Second-place finisher, Markus Rogan of Austria, has been awarded the gold medal.
Some cynics are suggesting that the disqualification is payback after Peirsol was openly critical of meet officials when they did not disqualify Japan's Kosuke Kitajima for allegedly dolphining on the underwater pullout in his 100-meter breaststroke victory.
This is believed to be the first time Peirsol has been disqualified in his entire career.
USA Swimming is protesting the decision.