Jacob Pebley swam a 1:56.35 on Saturday night at the FINA Champions Series in Indianapolis as he said it was the first time he beat former Cal teammate Ryan Murphy in five years. Pebley is now training in San Diego under David Marsh and he said he has enjoyed being on a smaller team around other professional athletes with similar goals.
Pebley said he has benefitted from seeing a sports psychologist this year and is able to believe he is the best backstroker in the world more often which is leading to more success in the water. He said he sets daily goals to improve in and out of the water and it has helped his mindset heading into the 2019 Worlds.
Pebley currently sits eighth in the world rankings for 2019 in the 200 back as his 1:56.35 was a season best for him. He also was third in the 100 back at 53.40 as it was his best time in three years. He currently sits seventh in the world rankings this year with that time.