When it comes to the Beijing 2008 Olympics, Aaron Peirsol, the seven-time world champion and three-time Olympic champion American swimming sensation, is aiming to repeat or top his triple Olympic gold medal winning performance last year.

"At the minimum, I can do as well as last time," he said during a training clinic with the Chinese national swimming team organized by Nike. "Once you have won three gold medals, you have the confidence that you can do that again."

The 22-year-old from California won three gold medals in men's 100m, 200m backstroke and 400m medley relay at the Athens Games last year and repeated the achievement at the Montreal World Championships in July. In Montreal, he broke the 200m backstroke world record. He also holds 100m backstroke world record.

"I haven't reached my 'goal'," he said.

"After winning three gold medals from the Athens Games, I stepped back and knew I have accomplished all my goals, and I thought 'what's next?" he said.

"A month later I realized that I am still 22, and I am still an improving athlete and even set my best mark one year after the Olympics."

"I am looking for something of consistency, not at one specific time."

Peirsol had just finished a three-day clinic with Eric Hansen, head coach of the US men's swimming team in Beijing. Top Chinese swimmers joined in the clinic, including Asian record holder Ouyang Kunpeng, world championship bronze medallist Wu Peng and women's breaststroke veteran Qi Hui. Peirsol also held a clinic with young Chinese swimming enthusiasts on Sunday.

Peirsol said he is expecting an explosive performance from the Chinese swimmers who are enjoying the home advantage.

"Most hosts are doing much better than expected, and China has that advantage now," he said. "They are ready to do well in 2008."

He said he noticed that Chinese swimmers have been improving for a long time, but experience is what the young Chinese team needs in order to do a good job three years later on home turf.

Source: China Daily