Olympic swimmers make splash in Charlotte

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Swimming's popularity tends to follow Michael Phelps. He returned to competition last weekend in Charlotte for the first time since winning eight gold medals in Beijing, and the sport was happy to have him back.

"Going into the meet we heard it was going to be on television," said Phelps' teammate Aaron Peirsol. "Despite what anyone elses ego might tell them I think Mike certianly brought a lot of attention to the meet. All of it for that matter."

Five-time olympic gold medalist Aaron Peirsol created quite a buzz beating Phelps in the 100-meter backstroke.

"I was getting texts and emails from people I hadn't heard from in a long time saying congratulations," said Peirsol. "I got more attention from this meet than most national meets that we go to."

Front-runners like Peirsol and Phelps are trying to create that same enthusiasm for the sport year-round, not just during Olympic years.

"I'd like to keep that going in the sport," said Peirsol. "Some level of attention outside of Olympic years. If I can do my part to get that through, I'll do what I can."

At one time the University of Texas pool spawned the "Big Three" of Brendan Hansen, Ian Crocker, and Aaron Peirsol. Except at present time, Aaron is the only one still training. Even he admits that London in 2012 might be his last Olympic Games but hopes his impact on swimming goes beyond.

"I love training more that I ever did probably ten years ago," said Peirsol. "If I had to retire today, I'd probably look back at the sport and say 'I'm very happy'. But, at the same time I feel like I'd like to do more."

Aaron now leads the way for a new generation of Longhorns to carry the torch of swimming tradition that eventually, he'll leave behind.