Peirsol breaks record

VICTORIA, B.C. — Newport Harbor High product Aaron Peirsol broke his own world record in the 200-meter backstroke at the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships on Saturday, winning the final in 1 minute, 54.44 seconds.

Peirsol’s previous best was 1:54.66, set in July, 2005 in Montreal.

A three-time Olympic gold medalist, Peirsol finished more than two seconds ahead of runner-up Michael Phelps (1:56.81), also of the United States.

Peirsol, 23, who won the 200 backstroke at the USA Swimming National Championships in Irvine this month, is the reigning world and Olympic champion in the 200 and 100 back.

He has not lost in the 200 back in an international meet since he earned a silver medal at the 2000 Olympics.

Peirsol won the 100 back at the Pan Pacific meet on Thursday, nearly breaking his own world record.

Peirsol’s younger sister, Hayley, will try to qualify for the 800 freestyle final, held tonight.