The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Texas-Ex Aaron Peirsol to be inducted into International Swimming Hall of Fame
11.19.2015 | Men's Swimming and Diving
Five-time Olympic gold medalist continues to hold three world records in retirement.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The International Swimming Hall of Fame announced Thursday the selection of Texas-Ex Aaron Peirsol (2003-04) to its Class of 2016. The five-time Olympic gold medalist, who still holds three world records four years after his retirement, will join 15 other athletes and contributors for induction next spring (June 3-5, 2016) in Santa Clara, California.
Peirsol won seven medals – five golds and two silvers – in appearances at the 2000 (Sydney), 2004 (Athens) and 2008 (Beijing) Olympic Games for the United States. He won his first Olympic medal, a silver in the 200m backstroke, at the 2000 Olympic Games before winning gold in the 100m backstroke, 200m backstroke and 400m medley relay at the 2004 Olympics.
Peirsol claimed a second Olympic gold medal in the 100m backstroke in Beijing (2008), where he added silver in the 200m backstroke. He capped his final Olympics appearance with his second gold in the 400m medley relay.
Peirsol set three world records in 2009 that the swimming world has yet to eclipse. He holds world marks in the 100m backstroke (51.94) and the 200m backstroke (1:51.92,) and he joined Eric Shanteau, Michael Phelps and former Longhorn Dave Walters to set the world mark in the 400m medley relay (3:27.28) at the World Championships in Rome. Peirsol announced his retirement in 2011.
Peirsol won six NCAA titles in his two seasons as a Longhorn (2003-04) before turning professional. His winning time of 1 minute, 39.16 seconds in the 200-yard backstroke at the 2003 NCAA Championships remains the school record to this day.
