Men’s swimming: Peirsol comes in third in 100 back

MOSCOW - Aaron Peirsol, a Newport Harbor High senior who holds the

world record in the the 200-meter backstroke (1:55.15), finished third in

the 100 back Wednesday in the Fina World Swimming Championships at the

Olympiisky Sports Complex.

Peirsol, the 2000 Olympic silver medalist in the 200 back, finished in

52.36, while Australia’s Matt Welsh won in 51.73, and fellow American

Peter Marshall came in second in 52.26.

Peirsol swam a faster time to win the preliminary heat, clocking a

51.98. He will compete in the 200 back Sunday, the last day of the World

Championships that began Wednesday.