Trials Throwback: Men’s 200 Back in 2008

Photo Courtesy: Peter H.Bick

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Less than two weeks to go until Olympic Trials get underway in Omaha, Neb. But before the meet, we wanted to look back at some of the great moments from past editions of the meet held inside the CenturyLink Center. Welcome to #TrialsThrowback!

It was billed as a showdown between two of the best backstrokers on Earth, the first rematch after the challenger had finally landed a blow on the incumbent.

Entering the 2007 World Championships, Aaron Peirsol was the undisputed king of the 200 backstroke. He had won three straight World titles, had not lost a race at that distance since the Olympic final in 2000 (where he got the silver) and was the only man to ever break 1:55 in the event.

But Ryan Lochte shocked Peirsol in that final at Melbourne, pulling away on the final 50 and breaking Peirsol’s world record, touching in 1:54.32.

They met again at Trials, Peirsol in lane four and Lochte in lane five. Lochte held a lead of two one-hundredths at the 50, and Peirsol led by a tenth at the 100. Peirsol tried to extend his lead on the third 50, flipping at 1:25.24, to Lochte’s 1:25.48.

But Lochte wasn’t done, making a run as the two went stroke-for-stroke down the final lap. Peirsol had faded down the stretch in Melbourne the year before, but he held tough this time.

Lochte lunged for the wall just before Peirsol, and it looked like he had touched the wall first. But Peirsol was not to be denied.

Peirsol touched in 1:54.32, and Lochte in 1:54.34. Peirsol had tied Lochte’s world record. No one finished within three seconds off the top two.

The two went into Beijing with the rare distinction of sharing the world record, and it was only appropriate for the duo to once again be swimming in the two middle lanes in the Olympic final. Lochte got the better of Peirsol that day, winning gold and lowering the world record to 1:53.94, and then Peirsol returned the favor as he won the World title a year later.

The two were involved in some memorable showdowns over the years, but the Olympic Trials duel was the best.

Photo Courtesy: OMEGA Timing

Check out our previous #TrialsThrowbacks:
Men’s 400 IM in 2008
Women’s 400 IM in 2008
Women’s 100 Back in 2008
Men’s 200 Breast in 2008

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