Peirsol earns top accolade

Three-time Olympic gold medalist Aaron Peirsol, a former star at

Newport Harbor High, was voted the USA Swimming Athlete of the Year

on Saturday at the U.S. Aquatic Sports Convention completed Sunday in

Greensboro, N.C.

This award caps a stellar year that saw Peirsol win eight

consecutive races, including three gold medals at the world

championships. He also set two world records.

Peirsol won the 100 and 200 backstroke events and was on the

winning 400 medley relay at the world championships, held July 24-31

in Montreal. He set a world record in the 200 back