World records fall in Omaha

Aaron Peirsol and Natalie Coughlin each set world records in the men’s and women’s 100metres backstroke at the United States Olympic trials in Omaha.

Peirsol lowered his own world record when he touched in 52.89seconds with Coughlin also eclipsing her own world best to become the first woman to go under the 59-second mark in 58.97secs.

Peirsol’s time underlined the challenge that will be faced by British pair Liam Tancock and Gregor Tait in Beijing.

Tancock claimed bronze behind Peirsol at the world championships in Melbourne last year but his best of 53.46 would only have seen the Briton finish fifth and fail to qualify for the Games.

Peirsol edged Matt Grevers, who clocked in at 53.19.

He said: “It’s the fastest heat I’ve ever been in. Sixth place would have medalled (at the Olympics in 2004). I knew what I had to do, and 54 (seconds) wasn’t going to make the team this time.

“I feel like I have a huge weight off my back.Some of those guys were matching my best times.”

Coughlin had held the world record since August 2002 when she became the first woman to break the one-minute barrier.

On Monday she lost the record to Hayley McGregory but then reclaimed it in the very next heat before last night’s efforts.

Gemma Spofforth is the British record holder with a time of 59.89.

Michael Phelps also set a United States open record in the 200m freestyle by finishing the event’s final swim in one minute 44.10seconds, the fastest time in the world this year.

Phelps’ time is almost three seconds faster than this year’s British best of 1min 47.03secs by Ross Davenport while British record holder Simon Burnett failed to qualify for any individual events in Beijing.