Aaron Peirsol broke the world record in the men’s 100 backstroke. Peirsol finished in 52.85, topping his all-time best of 52.98. Matt Grevers placed second in 53.19.
Natalie Coughlin regained her world record in the 100-meter backstroke, winning in 58.97 seconds. Margaret Hoelzer finished second in 59.21, edging out Hayley McGregory (59.42), who just the day before beat Coughlin’s world record. McGregory, who finished third is left off of the Olympic team.
Michael Phelps won the men’s 200 free final in 1:44.10. Peter Vaderkaay was second in 1:45.85. Jessica Hardy won the women’s 100 breast final in 1:06.87. Megan Jendrick edged Tara Kirk by 0.01 seconds for second place in 1:07.50.
Michael Phelps (1:54.02) also recorded the fastest qualifying time in the men’s 200 fly semis. Katie Hoff (1:57.10) and Allison Schmidt (1:57.92) had the fastest times in the women’s 200 free semis. Hoff holds the American Record with 1:56.08. Hoff (2:09.94) was the fastest in the women’s 200 IM semifinals. Coughlin, who holds the American record in 2:09.77, was third in 2:11.72.
Piersol talks about how his coaches helped push him to his record swim, and Coughlin gives props to the Omaha crowd, and Michael Phelps thinks this may be the best swim to represent the U.S. on both sides.