Aaron Peirsol

Profession: Swimmer

Nationality:

Biography: Aaron Peirsol is an American swimmer known for his backstroke. As a three-time Olympian, Peirsol captured seven Olympic medals which included five golds and two silvers. He notably set world records in the 200-meter backstroke and accrued thirty-six medals in major international competitions before retiring from the sport in 2011.

Peirsol was born in Newport Beach, California, to parents Scott and Wella Peirsol. Alongside his younger sister Hayley, who also took to swimming, Peirsol developed his aquatic skills early. During his time at Newport Harbor High School, and later at the University of Texas at Austin where he studied Political Science, his swimming talent flourished.

In 2003, his athletic prowess earned him the title of NCAA Swimmer of the Year. After two years of college, Peirsol took the professional path, securing a sponsorship with Nike, Inc. Under the tutelage of coaches Eddie Reese and Kris Kubik, he excelled in the pool while also dedicating time to charitable causes with organizations such as the Global Water Foundation, the Surfrider Foundation, and Oceana.

Peirsol's first Olympic appearance was at the 2000 Olympics where he clinched a silver medal in the 200-meter backstroke. Four years later at the 2004 Olympics, he secured gold medals in both the 100-meter and 200-meter backstroke events and in the 4×100-meter medley relay.

His Olympic success continued at the 2008 games where he successfully defended his titles in the 100-meter backstroke and the 4×100-meter medley relay, as well as silver in the 200-meter backstroke. Alongside these Olympic achievements, Peirsol won multiple world records and championship titles, including victories at the World Championships in 2005 and 2007.

A brief challenge came in 2009 when Peirsol did not qualify for the 100-meter backstroke final at the World Championships, but he soon rebounded by setting a world record in the 200-meter backstroke. His competitive swimming career culminated at the 2010 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships, where he won gold in both the 100-meter backstroke and the 4×100-meter medley relay.

Peirsol retired from swimming in 2011 at the age of 28, claiming that he had "ended up doing everything [he] had set out to do."

After retiring, Peirsol returned to Newport Beach, where he served as a lifeguard and swim coach. His remarkable swimming career was formally recognized in 2016 with his induction into the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

Born: July 23, 1983
Birthplace: Irvine, California, USA
Age: 40 years old

Generation: Millennial
Chinese Zodiac: Pig
Star Sign: Leo