Aaron Peirsol

View Aaron Peirsol's Biography

"My life has been no downs, just ups…knock on wood. So far, it's been all right."

35 Reasons You Know You Swam in the 2000’s and 2010’s

Full Name:	Aaron Peirsol
Nickname(s):	Backstroke King
Born:	July 23rd, 1983
	Irvine, California, USA
Nationality:	United States of America
Status:	Retired

Seven-time Olympic medalist, Aaron Wells Peirsol, was often recognized as America’s backstroke specialist during his time in elite competition. He was born (July 23, 1983) and raised in Irvine, California. Both he and his sister, Hayley, would go on to be international competitors in the sport. Early international appearances While well known for his soft-spoken, laid-back personality, Peirsol’s focus and resolve has served him well in competition. Though he watched swimming live at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Peirsol didn’t rise to prominence until the following Olympic cycle. Training at Irvine Novaquatics under Dave Salo, Peirsol qualified for the 2000 Sydney Olympics at the age of 16, cruising in to the coveted second place finish in the 200-meter backstroke behind legend Lenny Krayzelburg. Peirsol failed to qualify in the 100-meter back, but went on to earn silver in the 200, once again behind Krayzelburg. In Sydney, Peirsol roomed with another young hopeful, Michael Phelps. The following year, Krayzelburg opted out of World Championships in order to attend the Maccabiah Games in Israel, leaving the backstroke titles wide-open for the taking. Peirsol, who turned 18 during the competition, went on to win the gold in the 200 back with a time second only to Krayzelburg’s world …

35 Reasons You Know You Swam in the 2000’s and 2010’s

#29 – The Lenny Krayzelburg to Aaron Peirsol transition made you simultaneously happy and devastated.

Olympic Icon Aaron Peirsol’s Love Affair with Water – Rich Roll Podcast

Aaron Peirsol gets the Rich Roll treatment, nearly two and half hours of conversation on the swim life, love of water, mentorship and the importance of sustainability & passion.

Bowman, Peirsol, Muffat Head 16 Names In Stellar ISHOF Class of 2016

The International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) has announced a 16-member Class of 2016, who will be honored next summer at the ISHOF Annual Honors Weekend.

Mitch “The Man” Larkin Clocks Even Lower Aussie & Commonwealth Records

Mitch Larkin gets the job done again, 1:53.17 for new Aussie and Commonwealth 200m backstroke records in Dubai.

Mitch Larkin Lowers Own Aussie & Commonwealth 100 Back Records (Again)

Mitch Larkin. Enough said.

Larkin Lights Up Doha With Australian/C’Wealth Records in 100 Back

Mitch Larkin is now just three tenths off of the 100m backstroke World Record, as he sets new Australian and Commonwealth Records in the event while competing in Doha.

Mitch Larkin Lays Down New Aussie, Commonwealth Records In 200 Back

Mitch Larkin continues his monstrous year with new Aussie and Commonwealth Records in the men’s 200m backstroke.

The Simplest and Most Advanced Backstroke Drill Ever

This drill was inspired by Aaron Peirsol, who has always been a positive presence in the Austin swimming community where I grew up.

2015 World Championships Snaps Two Significant U.S. Winning Streaks

Two significant winning streaks were brought to an abrupt conclusion today, as the Americans went gold-less in the men’s 200m backstroke and 800 free relay events.

Larkin Re-Breaks Own Oceanian, Australian Records in 200 Back

Australia’s Mitchell Larkin set Australian and Oceanian records en route to winning the gold medal in the finals of the 200 back at the 2015 FINA World Aquatics Championships in Kazan, Russia.

Australia’s Larkin Sets New Oceania Mark in 100m Backstroke Heat

Mitch Larkin of Australia set a new Oceania Record of 52.50…

Arena Pro Swim Series Santa Clara Photo Vault: The Quiet Before The Storm

Missy Franklin smiles fresh off of signing her partnership with Speedo USA.

Video Interview: Coach Aaron Peirsol Working Hard and Having Fun

Aaron Peirsol talks about his experience coaching Newport Harbor High School… “Trying to get the work done and enjoy ourselves as much as possible.”

11 Olympic Stars Headline Charity Concert to benefit Swim to Win Foundation

The benefit concert kicks off the Swim to Win Clinic featuring internationally acclaimed Olympians including: Janet Evans, Rowdy Gaines, Jason Lezak, Aaron Peirsol, Chloe Sutton, Amanda Beard, Ariana Kukors (featured video) & many more.

SwimLabs Encinitas #TeamJeff Fundraiser with Aaron Peirsol

This weekend SwimLabs, Encinitas, hosted a fundraiser for Rosebowl Aquatics head coach Jeff Julian with 5 time Olympic Gold Medalist…