3-Time Olympic Gold Medalist and World Record Holder Aaron Peirsol Hosts Grassroots Training Clinics for Beijing Youth

100-meter and 200-meter Champion Departs This Week 


BEAVERTON, Ore., Dec. 13  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- World Champion and world record-holder in the 200-meter backstroke, Aaron Peirsol, travels to Beijing, China this week to share his enthusiasm and extensive knowledge of the sport of swimming with young athletes.

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Peirsol, on a Nike-sponsored trip, will host a day-long training clinic for 7 to 9-year old swimmers. The week-long trip will include motivational speaking opportunities, autograph sessions, a press conference and the youth clinic.

A 21-year-old Irvine, California native, Peirsol is a 3-time Olympic gold medalist in both the 100-meter and 200-meter backstroke events and the 4x100-meter relay.  He has three world championship gold medals, has been a world record holder for the past two years, and was named the 2005 USA Swimming Athlete of the Year.

The charismatic backstroker joins Nike in an effort to assist Chinese athletes and coaches in improving performances in international competition by interacting with the children of Beijing. Peirsol hopes to pique their interest in swimming and inspire them to set and reach their goals in and out of the water.

The trip also provides Peirsol with a unique opportunity to visit Beijing and begin to experience the Chinese culture in advance of the 2008 Olympic Games.

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