Aaron Peirsol, the former Newport Harbor High...

Aaron Peirsol, the former Newport Harbor High School swim star,

punched his ticket to Athens by winning the 100-meter backstroke

Friday afternoon at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Long Beach. Peirsol

finished with a time of 53.64 seconds, the fastest time in the world

this year. “It’s a great night,” he said. “I’m so stoked I’ll be

traveling this summer to Greece.”

THRILL OF VICTORY: Above, Peirsol is all smiles as he walks around

the pool after receiving his medal for his victory.

IN COMMAND: Left, the returning Olympian takes a breath of air

while competing in the men’s 100-meter backstroke during the trials.

For more on Aaron Peirsol, see Sports, B1.