Faster than a speeding tuna? - Oceana USA
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August 23, 2006

Faster than a speeding tuna?

Am I the only one who thinks world record titles should be reserved for people that actually have a skill? I’m not impressed by the fastest tomato ketchup drinker (Dustin Phillips) or the largest group hug (6,623 participants). And I really don’t care who the most overrated celebrity is (Paris Hilton – big surprise).

What does interest me is athletes that excel at their sport to such a degree that if it wasn’t videotaped we wouldn’t believe them. Athletes like Aaron Peirsol.

Aaron defeated American teammate Michael Phelps by 2.37 seconds for a world record in the 200-meter backstroke at the Pan Pacific Championships on Saturday night in what he called “the best swim of my life.” Aaron completed the race in 1 minute 54.44 seconds – about the time it takes you and me to make a sandwich.

You’re probably thinking, “that’s all very nice and good – but what business does this accomplishment have being on an oceans blog?” The answer is Aaron isn’t just a three-time Olympic gold medal winner, he’s also an ocean advocate. And when he isn’t racing for the gold, he’s racing for the oceans.

Congrats Aaron!