Peirsol back on top after 100 back flop, setting world record in 200 back
By Paul Newberry, APFriday, July 31, 2009
2 races, 2 WRs as Peirsol makes up for flop
ROME — Aaron Peirsol of the United States has made up for a disappointing swim at the world championships, breaking his own world record in the 200-meter backstroke by more than a full second.
Fellow American Ryan Lochte, the defending Olympic and world champion, pushed Peirsol in the first half of the race, actually leading at the midway point.
But Peirsol blew everyone away over the second down-and-back, pulling away to win in 1 minute, 51.92 seconds. His previous record, set three weeks ago at the U.S. nationals, was 1:53.08.
Japan’s Ryosuke Irie claimed silver in 1:52.51, also under the old mark. Lochte faded to third at 1:53.82.
Peirsol’s record was the 31st world mark of the meet.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.
ROME (AP) — Germany’s Britta Steffen has set the 30th world record of the world championships in Rome, winning the 100-meter freestyle in 52.07 seconds.
Steffen was trailing Australia’s Libby Trickett at the turn of Friday’s race, but she was too strong for everyone on the return lap. The German broke the mark of 52.22 that she set in the leadoff leg of the 400 free relay last Sunday.
Britain’s Fran Halsall claimed the silver in 52.87, while Trickett held on for the bronze at 52.93. Americans Amanda Weir and Dana Vollmer were out of the medals in fourth and fifth.
