It’s Another Record for Peirsol

When it comes to the backstroke, no one does it better than Aaron Peirsol.

Peirsol, of Irvine, added to an already extensive legacy when he broke his world record in the 200-meter backstroke Friday -- a performance that left even his rivals in awe at the World Swimming Championships.

“I always get to watch his feet during the races,” said Austria’s Markus Rogan, the runner-up who was more than two seconds behind.

Rogan applauded Peirsol as they climbed from the pool. The American’s time of 1 minute 54.66 seconds broke the record that he set at last year’s U.S. Olympic trials (1:54.74).

“I’m starting to feel very possessive about it,” Peirsol said.

Leisel Jones of Australia broke the second world record of the night in winning the 200 breaststroke. She swam 2:21.72, shattering Amanda Beard’s mark of 2:22.24 set on July 12, 2004.

Jones completed a sweep of the 100 and 200 breaststroke, a feat that was matched by American Brendan Hansen.

The Americans also had a dominating victory in the men’s 800 freestyle relay.

Michael Phelps led off, earning his fourth gold medal of the meet. He was followed by Ryan Lochte and Peter Vanderkaay with Klete Keller on the anchor leg. Their winning time was 7:06.58.