Loading
  • 21 Aug, 2019

  • By, Wikipedia

Aaron Peirsol

Aaron Wells Peirsol (born July 23, 1983) is an American former competition swimmer and backstroke specialist who is a former world champion and world record-holder. He is a three-time Olympian and seven-time Olympic medalist (five gold, two silver). Individually, he currently holds the world record in the 200-meter backstroke event (long course). In February 2011, Peirsol announced his retirement, saying, "I ended up doing everything I set out to do."

Peirsol swam for the University of Texas in the Big 12 Conference under Hall of Fame Coach Eddie Reese and Associate Coach Kris Kubik. At University of Texas at Austin, he graduated in 2006, majoring in Political Science, and was the 2003 NCAA Swimmer of the Year.

Peirsol's successes have earned him the American Swimmer of the Year Award once. He has won a total of thirty-six medals in major international competition: twenty-nine gold, six silver, and one bronze spanning the Olympics, the World, Pan American, and the Pan Pacific Championships.

In his Olympic debut at the 2000 Summer Olympics, at the age of 17, Peirsol won a silver medal in the 200-meter backstroke. Four years later, at the 2004 Summer Olympics, Peirsol won gold in the 100-meter and 200-meter backstroke (sweeping the backstroke events) and the 4×100-meter medley relay. In his third Olympics (2008 Summer Olympics), Peirsol won gold in the 100-meter backstroke and the 4×100-meter medley relay. He came short of his success he had in Athens by winning silver in the 200-meter backstroke, finishing behind Ryan Lochte.

Personal life

Peirsol was born in Newport Beach, California, in 1983, the son of Scott and Wella Peirsol. His father is a captain and his mother is a retired dental hygienist. He has one younger sister, Hayley, who is also a swimmer. In 2003, Peirsol and his sister became the first sibling duo to medal at the same FINA World Championships. He is a 2002 graduate of Newport Harbor High School in Newport Beach, California. After finishing his second year of collegiate eligibility, Peirsol signed with Nike, Inc., thus turning professional. Peirsol trained under the guidance of Eddie Reese and Kris Kubik.

Peirsol is also involved in a number of charities. He is an ambassador for the Global Water Foundation and the Surfrider Foundation. He is also a spokesman for Oceana, which is the largest international ocean conservation and advocacy organization.

Swimming career

2000–2002

Peirsol qualified for his first Olympics at the age of seventeen after finishing second to Lenny Krayzelburg in the 200-meter backstroke at the 2000 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Peirsol also competed in the 100-meter backstroke, but did not qualify for the event finals At the 2000 Summer Olympics, Peirsol finished second to Krayzelburg in the 200-meter backstroke. Afterwards Peirsol said, "I think I'm getting to a point where I'm becoming more of a threat to (Lenny) and I think he knows that."

At the 2001 National Championships, with Krayzelburg not competing, Peirsol qualified for the 2001 World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, in the 100-meter backstroke, the 200-meter backstroke, and the 4×100-meter medley relay. Peirsol's time in the 200-meter backstroke was the second-fastest ever, with only Krayzelburg's world record faster. At the 2001 World Aquatics Championships, Peirsol won gold in the 200-meter backstroke with a time of 1:57.13, a championship record.

Peirsol started off 2002 with the first world record of his career in the 200-meter backstroke, bettering Krayzelburg's mark set in 1999. In his first major competition of 2002, Peirsol won five medals (three gold, one silver, one bronze) at the 2002 FINA World Swimming Championships (25 m) in Moscow. In Moscow, he was a part of the American team that broke the world record in the 4×100-meter medley relay and he broke the 200-meter backstroke world record. At the 2002 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in Yokohama, Japan, Peirsol won gold in the 100 and 200-meter backstroke and the 4×100-meter medley relay. Combined with Brendan Hansen, Michael Phelps, and Jason Lezak, Peirsol set the world record in the 4×100-meter medley relay to break the previous record set in 2000.

2003 World Championships

At the 2003 World Aquatics Championships in Barcelona, Spain, Peirsol won gold in the 100 and 200-meter backstroke and the 4×100-meter medley relay. He also won a silver medal in the 4×200-meter freestyle relay. In his first event, the 100-meter backstroke, Peirsol won gold in a time of 53.61, a championship record. His time was just 0.01 s off Lenny Krayzelburg's world record. Peirsol participated in the 4×200-meter freestyle relay with Michael Phelps, Nate Dusing, and Klete Keller to win silver behind Australia. Peirsol then competed in the 200-meter backstroke and won gold in a time of 1:55.92, almost two seconds ahead of second-place finisher Gordan Kožulj of Croatia. Peirsol also competed in the 50-meter backstroke and the 4×100-meter medley relay. In the 50-meter backstroke, Peirsol finished out of medal contention with an 8th-place finish. In his last event, Peirsol competed in the 4×100-meter medley relay with Brendan Hansen, Ian Crocker, and Jason Lezak. The final time of 3:31.54 was a new world record, bettering the old mark from 2002.

2004 Summer Olympics

At the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Peirsol won individual titles in the 100 and 200-meter backstroke. Four years after finishing in 4th place at the 2000 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Peirsol won the 100-meter backstroke title, beating Lenny Krayzelburg. Peirsol was the only individual in the field to break 54 seconds and was just off Krayzelburg's world record. In the 200-meter backstroke, Peirsol won in a world record time of 1:54.74, bettering his previous record of 1:55.15 set in 2002. He beat his closest competitor, Michael Phelps, by more than a second.

At the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece, Peirsol won gold in the 100 and 200-meter backstroke, sweeping the backstroke events, and the 4×100-meter medley relay. In his first event, the 100-meter backstroke, Peirsol won gold in a time of 54.06, 0.29 s ahead of second-place finisher Markus Rogan of Austria. In his second event, the 200-meter backstroke, Peirsol won gold in an Olympic record time of 1:54.95 and completed a clean sweep of the backstroke events. Rogan again finished second to Peirsol, 2.40 s back. An initial disqualification alleged that Peirsol had made an illegal turn during the 200-meter backstroke race. Having been improperly entered, the disqualification was eventually overturned. In his last event, the 4×100-meter medley relay, Peirsol combined with Brendan Hansen, Ian Crocker, and Jason Lezak to win gold in a world record time of 3:30.68, 2.94 s ahead of second-place finisher Germany. While leading off the relay, Peirsol broke the world record in the 100-meter backstroke with a time of 53.45, bettering Krayzelburg's time of 53.60 set in 1999.

Peirsol caused minor controversy when he accused Kosuke Kitajima of Japan of using an illegal dolphin kick in the 100-meter breaststroke final when compatriot Brendan Hansen lost by 0.17 s.

2004 FINA Short Course World Championships

Shortly after the 2004 Summer Olympics, Peirsol competed at the 2004 FINA World Swimming Championships (25 m) in Indianapolis where he won three gold medals. His first gold medal came in the 100-meter backstroke in a time of 50.72, a new championship record. Three days later, Peirsol competed in the 200-meter backstroke and the 4×100-meter medley relay. In the 200-meter backstroke, Peirsol won gold in a world record time of 1:50.52, bettering his old mark of 1:50.64 (set earlier in 2004) and finished 2.02 s ahead of Matt Welsh of Australia. Peirsol then competed in the 4×100-meter medley relay with Brendan Hansen, Ian Crocker, and Jason Lezak to win gold in a world record time of 3:25.09, 4.63 s ahead of Australia. Peirsol also competed in the 50-meter backstroke but finished out of medal contention.

2005 World Championships

At the 2005 World Championship Trials, the selection meet for the 2005 World Aquatics Championships, Peirsol won individual titles in the 100 and 200-meter backstroke. In the 100-meter backstroke, Peirsol won and broke his own world record with a time of 53.17, bettering his time of 53.45 set in Athens. In the 200-meter backstroke, Peirsol easily won with a time of 1:55.13.

At the 2005 World Aquatics Championships in Montreal, Quebec, Peirsol won gold in the 100 and 200-meter backstroke and the 4×100-meter medley relay. In his first event, the 100-meter backstroke, Peirsol won gold in a time of 53.62, just 0.01 s off his championship record set two years earlier in Barcelona. For his second event, the 200-meter backstroke, Peirsol won in dominating fashion. His time of 1:54.66 was a new world record and 1.97 s ahead of second-place finisher Markus Rogan. Peirsol then competed in the 4×100-meter medley relay with Brendan Hansen, Ian Crocker, and Jason Lezak to win gold in a time of 3:31.85, 3.23 s ahead of second-place finisher Russia. Peirsol also competed in the 50-meter backstroke but finished out of medal contention.

2006 Pan Pacific Championships

At the 2006 National Championships, the selection meet for the 2006 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships and the 2007 World Aquatics Championships, Peirsol won individual titles in the 100 and 200-meter backstroke. At the 2006 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in Victoria, British Columbia, Peirsol won gold in the 100 and 200-meter backstroke and the 4×100-meter medley relay. In his first event, the 100-meter backstroke, Peirsol won gold in a championship record time of 53.32. Peirsol was the only individual in the field to break 54 seconds and beat his closest competitor, Ryan Lochte, by 0.70 s. Peirsol earned his second gold in the 200-meter backstroke with a world record time of 1:54.44, bettering his previous mark of 1:54.66 set last year in Montreal. At the time, Peirsol held nine of the fastest times posted in the event and defeated second-place finisher Michael Phelps by 2.37 s. Peirsol then competed in the 4×100-meter medley relay with Brendan Hansen, Ian Crocker, and Jason Lezak to win gold in a time of 3:31.79, a new championship record.

2007 World Championships

At the 2007 World Aquatics Championships in Melbourne, Australia, Peirsol won one gold and one silver medal. In his first event, the 100-meter backstroke, Peirsol won gold in a world record time of 52.98, bettering his time of 53.17 set in 2005. Peirsol became the first man in the event to go under 53 seconds and beat Ryan Lochte by 0.52 s. At the time, Peirsol held five of the fastest times posted in the event. At one point during the first 50-meters, Peirsol was a full meter behind Ryan Lochte, and at the turn, Peirsol was in third place behind Liam Tancock and Lochte. But Peirsol had a superior finish to over-take both swimmers. After the race, Peirsol thanked Lochte for the fast start, which he attributed to the world record. In the 200-meter backstroke, Peirsol placed second to Lochte and lost his world record he set in 2006. Throughout the race, Peirsol was in first and at the 150-meter mark, Peirsol was ahead of Lochte 1:24.56 to 1:25.05. But Lochte had a strong finish to over-take Peirsol for the win. For Peirsol, it was his first international loss in the event since the 2000 Summer Olympics. Peirsol did not have a chance to swim in the 4×100-meter medley relay final because the United States was disqualified in the heats.

2008 Summer Olympics

At the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Peirsol won individual titles in the 100 and 200-meter backstroke, repeating his results from the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. In his first event, the 100-meter backstroke, Peirsol won ahead of Matt Grevers with a world record time of 52.89, lowering his previous mark of 52.98 set last year. In his second event, the 200-meter backstroke, Peirsol won in a time of 1:54.32, equalling Ryan Lochte's world record set last year. Lochte finished a close second, just 0.02 s behind Peirsol.

At the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China, Peirsol won gold in the 100-meter backstroke and the 4×100-meter medley relay. He also won silver in the 200-meter backstroke. In his first event, the 100-meter backstroke, Peirsol was the heavy favorite for gold, with him being the world-record holder and the defending Olympic champion. For the final of the 100-meter backstroke, Peirsol was swimming in lane two, having qualified fifth in the semi-finals. At the first 50-meters in the 100-meter backstroke final, Peirsol was in second place behind Liam Tancock, who took it out in 25.11. Peirsol was 0.54 s behind Tancock at the turn. However, after the turn, Peirsol overtook Tancock, who eventually placed sixth, and won the gold. Peirsol's final time of 52.54 was a new world record, bettering his previous mark of 52.89 set last month. After the race, Peirsol said, "I'm a little bit excited, a little bit relieved, absolutely elated." In his second event, the 200-meter backstroke, Peirsol placed second to Ryan Lochte 1:54.33 to 1:53.94. In winning the gold, Lochte broke the world record tie he and Peirsol shared in the 200-meter backstroke. In his last event, the 4×100-meter medley relay, Peirsol combined with Brendan Hansen, Michael Phelps, and Jason Lezak to win gold in a world record time of 3:29.34, lowering the old mark of 3:30.68 set four years ago in Athens.

2009 World Championships

Peirsol (right) after his victory in the 200 m backstroke at the 2009 National Championships. Ryan Lochte here stands at the 2nd place.

At the 2009 National Championships, the selection meet for the 2009 World Aquatics Championships, Peirsol won individual titles in the 100- and 200-meter backstroke. In his first event, the 100-meter backstroke, Peirsol won in a time of 51.94, reclaiming the world record from Aschwin Wildeboer. In winning the 100-meter backstroke, Peirsol became the first person to swim the event in under 52 seconds and it was the sixth time he set the world record in the event. In the 200-meter backstroke, Peirsol defeated Ryan Lochte and reclaimed the 200-meter backstroke world record he lost in Beijing. Peirsol also competed in the 100-meter butterfly but did not qualify for the event in Rome, finishing in third place.

At the 2009 World Aquatics Championships in Rome, Peirsol won two gold medals. In his first event, the 100-meter backstroke, Peirsol surprised many after he failed to make the final, which he attributed to a miscalculation of his own position in the semi-finals. Peirsol said, "I thought I was going faster. I am very disappointed. I completely misjudged my race. I have to go on, pick myself up and focus on my next events." But Peirsol's world record in the 100-meter backstroke would stay in place after the final. In his second event, the 200-meter backstroke, Peirsol won the gold in a time of 1:51.92, breaking his own world record of 1:53.08 by more than a second. Peirsol then competed in the 50-meter backstroke but did not advance past the heats. In his last event, the 4×100-meter medley relay, Peirsol combined with Eric Shanteau, Michael Phelps, and David Walters to win gold in a world record time of 3:27.28, lowering the old mark of 3:29.34 set a year ago in Beijing. While leading off the relay, Peirsol broke the championship record in the 100-meter backstroke with a time of 52.19, bettering the previous mark of 52.26 set by Junya Koga.

2010

At the 2010 National Championships, Peirsol placed second in both the 100- and 200-meter backstroke. In the 100-meter backstroke, Peirsol placed second to David Plummer, who touched just 0.03 s ahead. For Peirsol, it was his first loss in the 100-meter backstroke at a national championships since he placed 4th at the 2000 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. In the 200-meter backstroke, Peirsol placed second to Ryan Lochte, who finished 0.70 s ahead.

At the 2010 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in Irvine, California, Peirsol won gold in the 100-meter backstroke and the 4×100-meter medley relay. Peirsol's first gold came in the 100-meter backstroke. Initially, Peirsol did not qualify to swim in the medal-awarding final because only a maximum of two swimmers from one country could enter in the finals and David Plummer and Ryan Lochte owned the top two American spots. However, Lochte withdrew from the 100-meter backstroke and as a result, Peirsol advanced to the finals. Peirsol won the gold in a time of 53.31, breaking his own championship record set in 2006. Peirsol then competed in the 200-meter backstroke but did not qualify to swim in the medal-awarding final, with Lochte and Tyler Clary taking the top two American spots. In his final event, the 4×100-meter medley relay, Peirsol won gold along with compatriots Mark Gangloff, Michael Phelps, and Nathan Adrian. This would be the last race of his international career. When the competition was over, Peirsol said he put his swimming equipment in a locker and walked away.

Retirement

Piersol at the 2013 Santa Clara Grand Prix.

On February 2, 2011, at the age of twenty-seven, Peirsol announced that he was officially retiring from professional swimming. This ended months of speculation after Peirsol withdrew from his spots in both the 2010 FINA World Swimming Championships (25 m) in Dubai and the 2011 World Aquatics Championships in Shanghai. Peirsol said he contemplated retirement after the 2008 Summer Olympics. In 2010, he said he had no further goals and found it difficult to swim because he "ended up doing everything (he) set out to do." He added, "Things outside of the sport started to interest me." Peirsol said it was "poetic" that 2010 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships, his final competition, was held at the pool where he trained in childhood. Peirsol plans to go to graduate school at the University of Texas at Austin to study political science.

Peirsol returned to Newport Beach where he works as a seasonal ocean lifeguard and swim coach at his alma mater, Newport Harbor High School.

In November 2015 it was announced that Peirsol would be inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame Class of 2016 alongside fellow Americans Dara Torres and coach Bob Bowman.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Texas Sports Hall of Fame, Kris Kubik". Texas Sports Hall of Fame.
  2. ^ "USA Swimming bio: Aaron Peirsol". USA Swimming. Archived from the original on April 5, 2012. Retrieved February 26, 2011.
  3. ^ Evans, Hilary; Gjerde, Arild; Heijmans, Jeroen; Mallon, Bill; et al. "Aaron Peirsol". Olympics at Sports-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on December 4, 2016.
  4. ^ "Aaron Peirsol Turns Pro, Gives Up Remaining Two Years at Texas and Signs with NIKE". Swimming World Magazine. April 30, 2004. Archived from the original on September 2, 2012. Retrieved February 3, 2011.
  5. ^ "Peirsol Accepts Role as Ambassador for Surfrider Foundation". Swimming World Magazine. June 29, 2005. Archived from the original on September 2, 2012. Retrieved February 3, 2011.
  6. ^ "Peirsol Puts Support Behind Ocean Protection". Swimming World Magazine. August 17, 2006. Archived from the original on September 2, 2012. Retrieved February 5, 2011.
  7. ^ "2000 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – 200 m backstroke results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Retrieved February 3, 2011.
  8. ^ "2000 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – 100 m backstroke results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Retrieved February 3, 2011.
  9. ^ Evans, Hilary; Gjerde, Arild; Heijmans, Jeroen; Mallon, Bill; et al. "2000 Summer Olympics – 200 m backstroke results (final)". Olympics at Sports-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on April 17, 2020. Retrieved February 3, 2011.
  10. ^ "Olympics – Day 6 Finals". Swimming World Magazine. September 21, 2000. Archived from the original on September 2, 2012. Retrieved February 3, 2011.
  11. ^ "US World Championships Team Named". Swimming World Magazine. April 1, 2001. Archived from the original on September 2, 2012. Retrieved February 3, 2011.
  12. ^ "Peirsol Becomes Second Fastest 200 Backstroker in History". Swimming World Magazine. March 31, 2001. Archived from the original on September 2, 2012. Retrieved February 3, 2011.
  13. ^ "Australia Finally Overcomes U.S. at the Worlds". The New York Times. July 30, 2001. Archived from the original on April 3, 2015. Retrieved February 3, 2011.
  14. ^ "Aussies Smash 800 Relay WR; USA Celebrates with Wins by Ervin, Peirsol, Bowen". Swimming World Magazine. July 27, 2001. Archived from the original on March 7, 2012. Retrieved February 3, 2011.
  15. ^ "World Record Falls at National Meet". The New York Times. March 21, 2002. Archived from the original on July 13, 2012. Retrieved February 3, 2011.
  16. ^ "Peirsol, Benko and US Men's Medley Relay Set World Marks on Final Day of Short Course World Champs". Swimming World Magazine. April 7, 2002. Archived from the original on September 2, 2012. Retrieved February 3, 2011.
  17. ^ "6th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) – 200 m backstroke results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 15, 2012. Retrieved February 3, 2011.
  18. ^ "6th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) – 4×100 m freestyle relay results (heats)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 15, 2012. Retrieved March 20, 2011.
  19. ^ "6th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) – 100 m backstroke results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 15, 2012. Retrieved March 20, 2011.
  20. ^ "6th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) – 4×200 m freestyle relay results (heats)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 15, 2012. Retrieved March 20, 2011.
  21. ^ "U.S. Men Have Last Word, Set World Mark in 400m Medley Relay as Pan Pacs End With a Bang". Swimming World Magazine. August 29, 2002. Archived from the original on August 25, 2012. Retrieved February 3, 2011.
  22. ^ "10th FINA World Championships – 100 m backstroke results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 7, 2009. Retrieved February 3, 2011.
  23. ^ "10th FINA World Championships – 4×200 m freestyle relay results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Retrieved February 3, 2011.
  24. ^ "10th FINA World Championships – 200 m backstroke results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 7, 2009. Retrieved February 3, 2011.
  25. ^ "Silver for Thorpe as Phelps takes records". The Age. Melbourne. July 27, 2003. Archived from the original on November 4, 2012. Retrieved February 3, 2011.
  26. ^ "10th FINA World Championships – 50 m backstroke results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 7, 2009. Retrieved February 3, 2011.
  27. ^ "10th FINA World Championships – 4×100 m medley relay results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Retrieved February 3, 2011.
  28. ^ "2004 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – 100 m backstroke results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 15, 2012. Retrieved February 4, 2011.
  29. ^ "Five men finish 100-back in under 55 seconds". ESPN. July 10, 2004. Archived from the original on August 6, 2009. Retrieved February 4, 2011.
  30. ^ "2004 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – 200 m backstroke results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Retrieved February 4, 2011.
  31. ^ "Peirsol, Beard set world records; Phelps takes five". USA Today. July 12, 2004. Archived from the original on September 17, 2012. Retrieved February 4, 2011.
  32. ^ "Games of the XXVIIIth Olympiad – 100 m backstroke results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 15, 2012. Retrieved February 4, 2011.
  33. ^ "In Backstroke, U.S. Returns to the Fore". The Washington Post. August 17, 2004. Archived from the original on November 8, 2012. Retrieved February 4, 2011.
  34. ^ "Games of the XXVIIIth Olympiad – 200 m backstroke results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 15, 2012. Retrieved February 4, 2011.
  35. ^ "Peirsol gets gold after all". (The Associated Press). ESPN. August 19, 2004. Archived from the original on November 6, 2012. Retrieved February 4, 2011.
  36. ^ "Games of the XXVIIIth Olympiad – 4×100 m medley relay results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 4, 2012. Retrieved February 4, 2011.
  37. ^ "U.S. Stirs a Medley of Perfection". The Washington Post. August 22, 2004. Archived from the original on November 8, 2012. Retrieved February 4, 2011.
  38. ^ "Some Americans Refuse to Lose Gracefully". The Washington Post. August 16, 2004. Archived from the original on November 8, 2012. Retrieved February 4, 2011.
  39. ^ "7th FINA World Championships (25m) – 100 m backstroke results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Retrieved February 4, 2011.
  40. ^ "7th FINA World Championships (25m) – 200 m backstroke results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Retrieved February 4, 2011.
  41. ^ "Peirsol, U.S. End in Record Fashion". (The Associated Press). The Washington Post. October 12, 2004. Archived from the original on November 11, 2012. Retrieved February 4, 2011.
  42. ^ "7th FINA World Championships (25m) – 4×100 m medley relay results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 19, 2012. Retrieved February 4, 2011.
  43. ^ "7th FINA World Championships (25m) – 50 m backstroke results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Retrieved February 4, 2011.
  44. ^ "2005 World Championship Trials – 100 m backstroke results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Retrieved February 4, 2011.
  45. ^ "Peirsol gets early start on breaking records in 2005". USA Today. April 5, 2005. Archived from the original on September 15, 2012. Retrieved February 4, 2011.
  46. ^ "2005 World Championship Trials – 200 m backstroke results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Retrieved February 4, 2011.
  47. ^ "XI FINA World Championships – 100 m backstroke results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 7, 2009. Retrieved February 4, 2011.
  48. ^ "XI FINA World Championships – 200 m backstroke results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 7, 2009. Retrieved February 4, 2011.
  49. ^ "XI FINA World Championships – 4×100 m medley relay results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 1, 2012. Retrieved February 4, 2011.
  50. ^ "XI FINA World Championships – 50 m backstroke results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 7, 2009. Retrieved February 4, 2011.
  51. ^ "2006 National Championships – 100 m backstroke results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 8, 2006. Retrieved February 5, 2011.
  52. ^ "2006 National Championships – 200 m backstroke results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 24, 2009. Retrieved February 5, 2011.
  53. ^ "2006 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – 100 m backstroke results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Retrieved February 5, 2011.
  54. ^ "Swimmers Phelps, Schipper break world records at Pan Pacs". (The Associated Press). USA Today. August 18, 2006. Archived from the original on August 23, 2006. Retrieved February 5, 2011.
  55. ^ "2006 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – 200 m backstroke results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 7, 2012. Retrieved February 5, 2011.
  56. ^ "Pan Pacific Swimming: Peirsol beats Phelps in 200 backstroke". (The Associated Press). The Seattle Times. August 20, 2006. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved February 5, 2011.
  57. ^ "2006 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – 4×100 m medley relay results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Retrieved February 5, 2011.
  58. ^ "12th FINA World Championships – 100 m backstroke results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 24, 2009. Retrieved February 5, 2011.
  59. ^ "Courtesy of Aaron Peirsol in 100 Back, World-Record Assault Continues". Swimming World Magazine. March 27, 2007. Archived from the original on September 2, 2012. Retrieved February 5, 2011.
  60. ^ "Peirsol breaks record to win backstroke title". Reuters. March 27, 2007. Archived from the original on July 28, 2020. Retrieved February 5, 2011.
  61. ^ "12th FINA World Championships – 200 m backstroke results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 24, 2009. Retrieved February 5, 2011.
  62. ^ "World Record Lifts Ryan Lochte to Gold in 200 Backstroke". Swimming World Magazine. March 30, 2007. Archived from the original on September 2, 2012. Retrieved February 5, 2011.
  63. ^ "Lochte gets his moment in spotlight". (The Associated Press). The Boston Globe. March 31, 2007. Archived from the original on November 2, 2012. Retrieved February 5, 2011.
  64. ^ "U.S. DQ in 400 Medley Relay Puts End to Phelps' Chase for Eight". Swimming World Magazine. March 31, 2007. Archived from the original on September 2, 2012. Retrieved February 5, 2011.
  65. ^ "2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – 100 m backstroke results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 11, 2008. Retrieved February 6, 2011.
  66. ^ "Peirsol, Coughlin cough up new standards in 100-meter backstroke at U.S. trials". (Cox News Service). The Oxford Press. July 2, 2008. Archived from the original on September 28, 2011. Retrieved February 6, 2011.
  67. ^ "2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – 200 m backstroke results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Retrieved February 6, 2011.
  68. ^ "Michael Phelps and Aaron Peirsol shine in Omaha, Nebraska". The Daily Telegraph. London. July 6, 2008. Archived from the original on September 14, 2012. Retrieved February 6, 2011.
  69. ^ "Peirsol defends title of backstroke king with gold and world record". Beijing: Xinhua News Agency. August 12, 2008. Archived from the original on November 2, 2012. Retrieved February 6, 2011.
  70. ^ "Lochte takes 200 backstroke in record time". CBC News. August 15, 2008. Archived from the original on November 5, 2012. Retrieved February 6, 2011.
  71. ^ "Phelps wins record eighth Olympic gold, China equals Athens medal haul". Xinhua News Agency. August 17, 2008. Archived from the original on November 2, 2012. Retrieved February 6, 2011.
  72. ^ "2009 National Championships – 100 m backstroke results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 6, 2009. Retrieved February 21, 2011.
  73. ^ "Peirsol reclaims 100 back record". (The Associated Press). ESPN. July 8, 2009. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved February 21, 2011.
  74. ^ "2009 National Championships – 200 m backstroke results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 6, 2009. Retrieved February 21, 2011.
  75. ^ "Peirsol breaks Lochte's world record in 200 back". The Seattle Times. July 11, 2009. Archived from the original on August 2, 2009. Retrieved February 21, 2011.
  76. ^ "2009 National Championships – 100 m butterfly results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 6, 2009. Retrieved February 21, 2011.
  77. ^ "Rookie error costs Peirsol". Sports Illustrated. July 27, 2009. Archived from the original on June 28, 2011. Retrieved February 26, 2011.
  78. ^ "13th FINA World Championships – 100 m backstroke results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 6, 2009. Retrieved February 26, 2011.
  79. ^ "13th FINA World Championships – 200 m backstroke results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 6, 2009. Retrieved February 26, 2011.
  80. ^ "13th FINA World Championships – 50 m backstroke results (heats)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 6, 2009. Retrieved February 26, 2011.
  81. ^ "13th FINA World Championships – 4×100 m medley relay results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 6, 2009. Retrieved February 26, 2011.
  82. ^ "Fifth gold for Phelps as medley team sets record". The Hindu. August 4, 2009. Archived from the original on September 20, 2010. Retrieved February 26, 2011.
  83. ^ "2010 National Championships – 100 m backstroke results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Retrieved February 7, 2011.
  84. ^ "2010 National Championships – 200 m backstroke results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 2, 2012. Retrieved February 7, 2011.
  85. ^ "David Plummer knocks off Aaron Peirsol in 100-meter backstroke". Los Angeles Times. August 4, 2010. Archived from the original on November 5, 2012. Retrieved February 7, 2011.
  86. ^ "David Plummer Upsets Aaron Peirsol for 100 Back Crown". Swimming World Magazine. August 4, 2010. Archived from the original on September 2, 2012. Retrieved February 7, 2011.
  87. ^ "Ryan Lochte Smokes 200 Back". Swimming World Magazine. August 7, 2010. Archived from the original on September 2, 2012. Retrieved February 7, 2011.
  88. ^ "2010 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – 100 m backstroke results (preliminary)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 21, 2010. Retrieved February 7, 2011.
  89. ^ "2010 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – 100 m backstroke results (final)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Retrieved February 7, 2011.
  90. ^ "2010 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – 200 m backstroke results (preliminary)" (PDF). Omega Timing. Retrieved February 7, 2011.
  91. ^ "2010 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – 4×100 m medley relay results" (PDF). Omega Timing. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 11, 2010. Retrieved February 7, 2011.
  92. ^ "Peirsol talks about his retirement". Daily Pilot. February 2, 2011. Archived from the original on February 8, 2011. Retrieved February 4, 2011.
  93. ^ "Backstroker Peirsol calls time on glittering career". Reuters. February 4, 2011. Archived from the original on February 11, 2011. Retrieved February 4, 2011.
  94. ^ "Five-time Olympic champion Peirsol retires". (American Free Press). France 24. February 4, 2011. Archived from the original on February 4, 2011. Retrieved February 4, 2011.
  95. ^ "Boys' Swimming: Aaron Peirsol named coach at Newport Harbor". Los Angeles Times. February 6, 2015.
  96. ^ "Aaron Peirsol to start work as Newport Beach lifeguard on Saturday". Los Angeles Times. June 20, 2014.
  97. ^ "Loaded ISHOF Hall of Fame Class of 2016 Includes Aaron Peirsol, Dara Torres, Bob Bowman". Swimming World. November 19, 2015.
  98. ^ "NEW DATES FOR 2016 ISHOF INDUCTION IN SANTA CLARA ANNOUNCED OCTOBER 28–30". International Swimming Hall of Fame. April 21, 2016.
Records
Preceded by

Lenny Krayzelburg
Ryan Lochte
Ryan Lochte
Men's 200-meter backstroke
world record-holder (long course)

March 20, 2002 – March 30, 2007
July 4, 2008 – August 15, 2008 (tied Lochte)
July 11, 2009 – present
Succeeded by

Ryan Lochte
Ryan Lochte
Incumbent
Preceded by
Shared between
Matt Welsh &
Gordan Kožulj
Men's 200-meter backstroke
world record-holder (short course)

April 7, 2002 – December 8, 2005
Succeeded by
Preceded by

Lenny Krayzelburg
Aschwin Wildeboer
Men's 100-meter backstroke
world record-holder (long course)

August 21, 2004 – July 1, 2009
July 8, 2009 – August 13, 2016
Succeeded by
Awards
Preceded by Swimming World
American Swimmer of the Year

2005
Succeeded by
Michael Phelps