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Column by John Lohn
IRVINE, California, August 18. ALWAYS a care-free spirit and good for a one-liner, Aaron Peirsol didn't disappoint during the first night of championship finals at the Pan Pacific Championships. Not only did Peirsol best the field in the 100-meter backstroke, he came up with this verbal gem during post-race interviews: “"I'll have to get him a beer."
The greatest backstroker in history was referencing Ryan Lochte with his quote. See, in the morning preliminaries, Peirsol was the third-fastest American in the two-lap backstroke, placing behind David Plummer and Lochte. Due to Pan Pacific rules, which allow only two swimmers per nation in the championship final, Peirsol appeared headed for the consolation final.
But when Lochte opted to scratch the event and focus his evening on the 200 freestyle, Peirsol got a second chance to chase a gold medal. Not surprising, Peirsol answered the challenge and captured top honors in 53.31, a meet record. Ah, just another accolade on the Peirsol resume, a portfolio already loaded with accomplishments.
Some will say Peirsol truly benefited from Lochte's decision, and that is a fact that cannot be argued. Still, it's not like Peirsol was handed a gift. He had to step to the plate and blast a home run, exactly what transpired. Really, it shouldn't be a shock that Peirsol embraced his second chance and got the job done. The man is a gamer, plain and simple.
"I wanted to make the most of my opportunity,"”Peirsol said. "That was very altruistic of (Lochte), but he didn't do it for me. But I still appreciate it. I'll have to get him a beer."
In the morning, Peirsol slipped on his start and the result was a performance of 53.85, the fourth-fastest time of the session, but not quick enough to land a guaranteed slot for the finals. It wasn't long after that Lochte announced he was scratching and the door opened for Peirsol. Hours later, it was promptly kicked down.
Peirsol had a much better start during the championship race and turned at the 50-meter mark in fourth place, but not far off the pace set by David Plummer. In typical Peirsol form, he reeled in the field over the last lap and punched another ticket to the World Championships. It was also his third consecutive Pan Pac title in the 100 back.
"The race was much more in my control tonight," said Peirsol, a seven-time Olympic medalist. "The morning was a wakeup. I slipped (on the start) and was playing catchup the whole time. I never got my senses. I was more prepared tonight."
While Lochte bypassed the chance at a double, understanding that his schedule for the remainder of the meet is arduous, he delivered in his lone race. Swimming the 200 freestyle in international competition for the first time, Lochte maintained the roll that has made him the hottest swimmer on the planet at the current moment. Coming off a National Championships in which he knocked off Michael Phelps in the 200 individual medley, Lochte posted a winning time in the four-lap freestyle of 1:45.30, nearly a second clear of South Korea's Tae Hwan Park. The effort was the fastest time in the world this year and further proof that Lochte's versatility is approaching that of Phelps.
Lochte left little doubt the race was his over the third lap, where he nailed his turn and opened up his advantage over Park and Peter Vanderkaay, the bronze medalist. Second to Phelps in the event at Nationals, Lochte learned a lesson in that race: Make sure the third 50 is strong. He certainly followed through on the gameplan.
"I just went out and raced the best I could," Lochte said. "I knew I could take it at the 100. I knew I could really work that (lap). The only reason (for the 100 back) was for training purposes. I have a bunch of events ahead."
What shakes out the rest of the meet will be determined over the next three days at the Woollett Aquatic Center. Peirsol and Lochte will battle in the 200 backstroke on Friday in a reprisal of their stellar duels through the years. For this first night of action at the Pan Pacific Championships, however, they each starred, giving USA Swimming a superb start.
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