Coughlin, Peirsol Remain Champions

In the men’s one hundred meter backstroke, Aaron Peirsol edged the world record. Matt Grevers scored silver. Hayden Stoeckel and Arkady Vyatchanin split the bronze. With his victory, Peirsol scored his second consecutive Olympic title. The United States scored their fourth backstroke victory.

In the women’s one hundred meter backstroke, Natalie Coughlin garnered gold. Kirsty Coventry scored silver. Margaret Hoelzer bagged bronze. Coughlin’s victory was electric. She was never challenged. Her performance was impressive.

In 2004, Michael Phelps acquired the conversation. In 2008, he has owned the conversation. His record quest. His regimen and survival. Phelps merits attention. His endeavor and results are spectacular. With that stated, America has other swimmers. They have other champions. On Monday evening, two of them restated their importance.