Coughlin, Peirsol set world records

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OMAHA — Two more world records went down tonight in the U.S. Olympic swim trials, in back-to-back finals, no less.

Natalie Coughlin in the 100-meter backstroke became the first woman to drop under 59 seconds, winning in 58.97. Margaret Hoelzer (59.21) was second and Hayley McGregory (59.42), who briefly took the world record from Coughlin on Monday in the prelims before Coughlin grabbed it back, was third.

Minutes later, Aaron Peirsol rewrote his own world record in the 100 backstroke, winning in 52.89, and made his third Olympic team. Matt Grevers was second in 53.19. Ryan Lochte’s bold gamble backfired, as he finished third, in 53.37. He had been the fastest qualifier in the 200 freestyle but withdrew to concentrate on the backstroke.

-- Lisa Dillman