American Aaron Peirsol broke the 200m backstroke world record on Saturday, timing one minute and 53.08 seconds at the U.S. national swimming championships in Indianapolis.

Aaron Peirsol of the U.S. waves to the crowd after setting a new world record in the men's 200m backstroke at the USA Swimming National Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana July 11, 2009. [Xinhua/Reuters]

 Peirsol sliced .86 seconds off the previous record of 1:53.94 set by compatriot Ryan Lochte at the Beijing Olympics.

Aaron Peirsol of the U.S. gestures to the crowd after setting a new world record in the men's 200m backstroke final at the USA Swimming National Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana July 11, 2009. [Xinhua/Reuters]

Lochte finished second in 1:54.21 as both qualify for spots on the U.S. team for the world championships in Rome later this month.

(Xinhua News Agency July 12, 2009)