Aaron Peirsol reclaims world record

American back stroker and Athens Olympic champion Aaron Peirsol reclaimed his world record in the 100-meter backstroke Wednesday at the U.S. swimming championships in Indianapolis.

Peirsol trailed Matt Grevers at the 50 meter mark, then put himself up a gear on the final stretch to win in 51.94 seconds. Peirsol’s previous mark of 52.54 at the Beijing Olympics was broken by Spain’s Aschwin Wildeboer Faber on at the begging of this month with a 52.38.

In related new, Michael Phelps won the 200 butterfly in 1:52.76 and the 200 freestyle in 1:44.23 at the same event. The event serves as a qualifier for the forthcoming Swimming World Championship in Rome.