Peirsol is one of the true super-stars of swimming but unfortunately doesn’t get the accolades he deserves in the shadow of Michael Phelps.

But I’m sure that Aussie swim fans will be out in force for a glimpse of the backstroking talents that have swept all before him in recent years – particularly through 2004.

Peirsol became only the fifth man in history to sweep the backstroke events at an Olympics – joining Roland Matthes (1968, 1972), John Naber (1976), Rick Carey (1984) and Lenny Krayzelburg (2000).

He also holds the world record for both 200 metres backstroke – long course and short course – which he continued to lower in 2004.

Peirsol was in devastating form at the US Trials and the Olympics and backed up in world record breaking form at the World Short Course Championships in Indianapolis, where he set a new world record for the 200m backstroke and led the USA men to yet another world record in the medley relay.

But Aaron is the first to admit he hasn’t had things all his own way – in the US or around the world – with his fellow countrymen Krayzelburg and Randall Bal (who is almost certain to join Peirsol in Australia) and our own Matt Welsh pushing him to world records.

Peirsol is genuinely excited about coming to Australia and enjoying our hospitality and the opportunity to race at the innovative Skins meet and over the short course in Melbourne and we’re excited to have him here.

THERE is no doubt that when Sydney hosted the 1999 Pan Pacs it turned everyone’s heads as swimming took over the sporting headlines for eight days after 11 world records in one of the best ever swim meets.

The Americans left our shores convinced that the Aussies were on the cutting edge of swimming promotion.

We had also had the Qantas Skins established as one of the most innovative meets with its elimination series and the Mystery Medley.

But the five-day FINA World Short Course Championships inside the Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis showed the world what can be done when you not only capitalize on the venue but take the sport to the people.

FINA, US Swimming and in particular the Indiana Sports Corporation combined to put on an event which was televised on ESPN in the US for the first time and attracted over 70,000 people.

In the pre-meet press conference Phelps, Peirsol and Lindsay Benko all spoke about making swimming in the US an every-day sport and not just a sport for every four years.

Pity it didn’t sink in to those journos who left Indianapolis when Phelps withdrew with a back injury after his day one victory in the 200 IM.

The likes of Peirsol, Benko, the legendary Jenny Thompson in her last meet and rising stars Ian Crocker and Kaitlin Sandeno deserved better than that.

Can you imagine the Australian media packing up their lap tops if Ian Thorpe did the same thing – I’d like to think not.