The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
USA Swimming Olympic Trials
Peirsol ties 200m backstroke world record at U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials
07.04.2008 | Men's Swimming and Diving
OMAHA, Neb. -- Texas-Ex Aaron Peirsol reclaimed a share of the world record he once held by himself, as he tied Ryan Lochte's world mark in the 200-meter backstroke Friday evening on day six of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials-Swimming at Qwest Center Omaha.
Peirsol trailed Lochte after the first 50 meters before maintaining narrow leads after the 100- and 150-meter marks. Lochte slightly made up ground in the final 50 meters, but it wasn't enough, as Peirsol tied Lochte's world record of 1:54.32 and edged Lochte by only two one-hundredths of a second.
Peirsol clinches his second spot on the U.S. Olympic team after earning a berth in the 100-meter backstroke earlier in the week. Peirsol's time tied the world record Lochte set at the 2007 FINA World Championships in Melbourne, Australia. Peirsol owns seven of the top 10 fastest times ever recorded in the event.
Texas-Ex Garrett Weber-Gale will aim for a second berth on the U.S. Olympic Team Saturday evening after taking third in the 50-meter freestyle semifinals. Weber-Gale, who earned his first spot on the U.S. Olympic Team on Thursday in the 100-meter freestyle, took third behind Ben Wildman-Tobriner and Cullen Jones in 21.83 to become the 13th-fastest performer, ever, in the event. Texas-Ex Neil Walker placed 13th in 22.45, and senior Matt McGinnis took 15th in 22.60.
Texas-Ex Ian Crocker remains in the hunt for an Olympic berth after placing second in the 100-meter butterfly semifinals in 51.52. Rising junior Ricky Berens placed 12th in 53.39, and rising sophomore Matt Donch took 14th in 53.44.
NBC will air live finals coverage on Saturday beginning at 7 p.m. Central.
2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Swimming
Day Six - Semifinals and Finals (all distances in long-course meters)
200 Backstroke - Finals
1. Aaron Peirsol - 1:54.32 (ties Ryan Lochte's world record)
50 Freestyle - Semifinals
3. Garrett Weber-Gale - 21.83
13. Neil Walker - 22.45
15. Matt McGinnis - 22.60
100 Butterfly - Semifinals
2. Ian Crocker - 51.52
12. Ricky Berens - 53.39
14. Matt Donch - 53.44
POST-MEET QUOTES
AARON PEIRSOL
On tying the 200m backstroke world record: It was an incredible race. I saw his (Lochte's) arms flailing on the side. I thought I was leading him, then I thought I was behind. It could have gone either way. I swam the race the way I know how to, and I tried to go out as relaxed as I could. I knew what I had to do. I'm glad he swam the race the way he did because that helped me out.
IAN CROCKER
On Saturday's 100m butterfly final: I think tomorrow looks pretty good. I just need to get a good night's sleep and get relaxed. Michael (Phelps) has been swimming really well and feeling pretty good. It should be an interesting race. I just want to get on the (Olympic) team right now.
