Two world swimming records set

VICTORIA, British Columbia – Aaron Peirsol defeated fellow American Michael Phelps by 2.37 seconds with a world record in the 200-meter backstroke at the Pan Pacific Championships on Saturday night.

But Phelps wasn’t down for long.

About 20 minutes later, he returned to lead the U.S. 400 freestyle relay that set a world record (3:12.46).

In the backstroke showdown between the rivals, Peirsol touched in 1 minute, 54.44 seconds – 0.22 seconds better than the mark he set at last year’s world championships in Montreal.

“This is probably the best swim of my life,” he said.

He checked the scoreboard, pumped his right arm and reached over the lane line to slap Phelps on the back as the six-time Olympic gold medalist looked away.

“Today was my day,” Peirsol said. “I respect him for being in this race.”

It was Phelps’ first loss of the four-day meet, having won gold medals in the 200 butterfly, 400 individual medley and 800 free relay.

The United States led the medals standings after three days with 30, including a leading 16 gold. Japan was second with 17 and Australia third with 11.