Aaron Peirsol Retires from Swimming - Oceana USA
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February 8, 2011

Aaron Peirsol Retires from Swimming

Five-time Olympic gold medalist and Oceana spokeswimmer Aaron Peirsol has announced that he has retired from competitive swimming.

27-year-old Peirsol is regarded by many as the best backstroker of all time, with world records in the 100- and 200-meter backstroke.

And he’s made a big splash in the ocean conservation community too, with his Race for the Oceans, whose proceeds have gone towards Oceana’s work to protect the oceans.

Last year he spoke on behalf of Oceana at the Earth Day Climate Rally on the National Mall in Washington, DC, touching on the threats of ocean acidification, overfishing and offshore drilling. Plus, he offered up a coveted swimming lesson to last year’s Christie’s Green Auction, the proceeds of which went to four charities, including Oceana.

Aaron will be pursuing a graduate degree in political science, but we have a feeling he’ll never stray too far from the water.

We wish Aaron all the best in his retirement, and look forward to seeing what he’ll do next!