America’s multi-time Olympic champion Aaron Peirsol took two very long flights from his hometown in Newport Beach, California to Brazil and just got through the Rio de Janeiro airport customs and city traffic to barely make it in time for today’s pre-race press conference and 1 km grid relay on Copacabana Beach.

As he was eating some lunch on the way to Copacabana Beach and gaining his bearings, he had only a few minutes to warm-up and immediately jumped in the relay with American teammate Ashley Twichell. But he was as gracious and friendly with the local media as can be. A few swings of his arms and 100m short warm-up in the cool waters and he was ready to go.

“It is great to be here in Brazil. It is my first time here. First time in South America. I’m looking forward to the King and Queen of the Sea.”

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