Thaindian News

The invincible Michael Phelps has finally met his match in the Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center this Saturday when Aaron Peirsol beat him in the 100-meter backstroke challenge. Phelps who had been reining the word of swimming had to face the defeat in the hand of the specialist backstroke swimmer, Aaron Peirsol. Few will know that this was Phelps first defeat after 364 days. Phelps had joined the competition in the hope of winning a new championship after his record eight gold medals win at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

Those who are well versed with the developments in the world of swimming will know about Aaron Peirsol and his specialization in backstroke. At the present moment he is probably the best sprint backstroke swimmer in the whole world. Moreover, the 100-meter backstroke has been his specialty since 2004 and he set his records straight with his grand win against Phelps. The difference between the two swimmers was actually very competitive. Peirsol finished the competition in 53.32 seconds while Phelps reached his destination in 53.79 seconds.

After winning the competition Peirsol commented, “By no means is anybody giving anything to anybody … I definitely wanted to win that.” The competition between Peirsol and Phelps was greatly awaited by all the swimming lovers because they were waiting for the showdown since the last Olympic. Most will know that both Phelps and Peirsol were set to take part in the 2008 Olympic trials but the competition between the two never took place because Phelps opted out of it since he wanted to concentrate on other races.