Coughlin and Peirsol blitz to records

Natalie Coughlin and Aaron Peirsol blitzed to world records in the 100 metres backstroke to highlight another breathless day of action at the US Olympic swimming trials in Nebraska, on Tuesday.

Coughlin sparked the record demolition when she stormed to the wall in a time of 58.97 seconds, trimming 0.06 off her own mark to become the first woman to dip under 59 seconds.

It was the third time in two days the record had been lowered, with Hayley McGregory and Coughlin swapping the mark in successive preliminary heats on Monday.

Even though McGregory briefly held the record, her third-place finish behind Margaret Hoelzer in the final was not good enough to earn a trip to Beijing with only the top two securing Olympic berths.

"It just feels so good to be on the team," Coughlin told reporters. "It is such a cruel meet.

"I have so many friends I'm cheering for but there are only two spots.

"People assume if you're the world record holder that you're going to go to Beijing no problem. But anything can happen at this meet."

With the crowd still buzzing over Coughlin's swim, Peirsol brought them to their feet again by powering home in 52.89 seconds to improve his record of 52.98 with the help of one of the strongest fields ever assembled in the event.

"It's a huge confidence boost anytime I can come out on top in a race like that," said Peirsol, who like Coughlin swam in the controversial hi-tech Speedo LZR racer bodysuit.

"It's the fastest heat I've ever been in, by far. Sixth place would have got a gold medal last time."

Six world records have now tumbled in the first three days of the trials.