Peirsol survives gold medal scare

ATHENS, Greece — Aaron Peirsol waved his arms in disbelief, then ran the race through his mind, trying to figure out what he did wrong.

The most dominant backstroker in the world had somehow made a mistake that cost him a sure gold medal.

On a night Americans dominated at the Olympic pool, Peirsol's disputed victory in the 200-meter backstroke was the most memorable — and convoluted. First, he was disqualified for making an illegal turn. Then, his win was restored, just in time for him to have the gold draped around his neck.

Hours after he took a triumphant lap around the deck, swimming officials were still debating the whole mess.

Finally, the word came down: Peirsol's victory would stand.

No one disputed another victory by Michael Phelps, who secured his legacy as one of the greatest swimmers in Olympic history by winning his fourth gold medal Thursday.

For good measure, Amanda Beard captured the first individual gold of her illustrious career, in the 200-meter breaststroke. Only a victory by Australian Jodie Henry in the women's 100-meter freestyle prevented an American sweep.

Peirsol cruised to an easy win in his signature event — he hasn't lost in almost four years — but was shockingly DQed. About a half-hour later, the decision was overturned and he walked out to receive his second gold medal.

"Man, it was a roller coaster," said the 21-year-old from Irvine, Calif,, who earlier won the 100 backstroke. "I feel bad for everybody in that field. It was a weird call. I'm happy it was overturned, though."

Austria's Markus Rogan, who finished more than two seconds behind Peirsol's 1:54.95, was briefly feted as the gold medalist. When the decision was changed, he didn't seem too upset about settling for silver.

"Aaron is a very honest person. I am sure he swam fairly," said Rogan, a close friend of the American. "For a moment, I thought about gold and the idea was just beautiful but, after all, it's fair like this."

But the Austrians protested the ruling, as did Britain after its swimmer, James Goddard, was bumped from third to fourth. About 2 1/2 hours after the race, FINA rejected the appeal, giving the bronze to Romania's Razvan Florea.