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Aaron Peirsol
- Two-time Olympian
- Earned three 2004 Olympic gold medals (100m, 200m backstroke, 4x100m medley relay); 2000 Olympic silver medalist (200m backstroke)
- World record-holder in the 200m back and 400m medley relay (long and short course meters)
- World record-holder in the 200m back and 400m medley relay (long and short course meters)
- Swept the backstroke events at the 2004 Olympic Games becoming the fifth male swimmer and fourth American to do so
- Won three gold medals at the 2005 World Championships (100m, 200m backstroke, 400m medley relay)
- Broke his own world record in the 100m backstroke and won the 200m back at the 2005 World Championship trials
- Claimed gold in 200m back at 2001 World Championships
- Won three gold medals at 2002 Pan Pacific Championships (100 & 200m back, 400 MR)
- Youngest American (age 15) to break two minutes in 200m back, which he did first at 1999 Spring Nationals
- Listened to Led Zeppelin's "Heartbreaker" song before he broke the 200m back world record
- Had "Aaron Peirsol Day" with a parade in his high school town of Newport Beach, Calif. following the Olympic Games - "I guess 20 years from now I'll look back and go 'How many people have gotten a parade?' It was insane…hilarious."
- Became the only sibling duo (with his sister Hayley) to medal at the same World Championships on July 22, 2003
- Enjoys surfing and reading; owns two cats named Max and Harry; favorite movie is Braveheart
Peirsol is known for being California-style laid back. Though he hails from the Los Angeles area, he doesn't seek any media attention. "I don’t like it to be too hyped-up for too long," Peirsol said. "I’m pretty mellow, pretty laid-back. I don’t want it to be too much at once. I’m swimming for better reasons than being a celebrity; I mean if I wanted to be a celebrity, I’d be a basketball player or something."
Related Links
Photo Gallery: 2005 World Championships
Feature Article: Peirsol named 'Swimmer of the Year'
Video: Peirsol on psyching out opponent hi | lo
On setting a new championship record and being on world record pace in the 100m backstroke at the 2005 World Championships Trials: "I didn't expect anything less. And, it feels good to come out on top. I was just trying to win. It took almost a world record to win; it certainly was not an easy race, but it was fun. Being on world record pace makes for an interesting race."
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Height: 6' 2
Born: 7/23/1983
Hometown: Irvine, Calif.
Resides: Irvine, Calif.
Sport: Swimming
Event: 100m & 200m backstroke
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