Aaron Peirsol wins gold in 100m backstroke; Matt Grevers takes silver

BEIJING -- Aaron Peirsol of Irvine led an American gold-silver finish in the men's 100-meter backstroke Tuesday morning. Peirsol posted a time of 52.54 seconds, breaking his own world record of 52.89, set July 1 at the U.S. Olympic trials.

Teammate Matt Grevers of Lake Forest, Ill., took the silver in 53.11 seconds. Russia's Arkady Vyatchanin won the bronze with a time of 53.18 seconds.

-- Debbie Goffa

Photo: Aaron Peirsol celebrates winning the gold in the men's 100-meter backstroke. Credit: Thomas Kienzle / Associated Press