The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Peirsol sets world record in 200-meter backstroke
07.13.2004 | Men's Swimming and Diving
LONG BEACH, Calif. -- Texas ex Aaron Peirsol (2003-04) broke his own world record en route to capturing the 200-meter backstroke and qualifying for the Olympics in his second event at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials on Monday. Peirsol, who handed Michael Phelps his first defeat of the trials, touched the wall in 1:54.74, breaking his own mark (1:55.15) set more than two years ago.
Peirsol, who qualified for the Olympic team in 100-meter backstroke with a time of 53.63 on Friday, joins Texas ex Brendan Hansen (2001-04) as the second UT swimmer to qualify for the Olympic team in multiple events. Hansen qualified for the 100 and 200-meter breaststrokes, both in world-record fashion.
Texas ex Colleen Lanne placed sixth in the 100-meter freestyle in 55.40 and became the first Longhorn on the women's side to earn a spot on the Olympic roster. Lanne is slated to represent the U.S. in the 400-meter free relay.
In the 100-meter butterfly, former Longhorn and world record-holder Ian Crocker (2001-04) turned in the fastest time of the semifinals, winning his heat in 51.25. Senior Daniel DiToro (Scottsdale, Ariz./Chaparral) touched the wall in 53.30 and finished fourth.
Crocker, along with Texas exes Neil Walker (1996-98) and Bryan Jones (1997-2000), all advanced to the semifinals in the 50 freestyle. In the semis, Jones led the trio finishing in a tie with Robert Zaabedick for ninth place, followed by Jones (14th) and Crocker (15th).
Former Longhorn Tommy Hannan (1999-2002) placed fourth in the 200-meter individual medley final in 2:01.42. The finals were won by Michael Phelps in a time of 1:56.71.
The Trials continue Tuesday, July 13 and conclude on Wednesday, July 14. NBC will carry taped coverage of the event on Sunday, July 18 (12-2 p.m. CT).
2004 Olympic Qualifiers from UT
Brendan Hansen, USA
100 breast, 200 breast, 400 medley relay
Aaron Peirsol, USA
100 back, 200 back, 400 medley relay
Ian Crocker, USA
100 free, 400 free relay
Colleen Lanne
100 free
Neil Walker, USA
400 free relay
Nate Dusing, USA
400 free relay
Nathan O'Brien, Canada
200 back
