Matt Grevers Sets Record to Win Gold

Matt Grevers won gold Monday in the men's 100 backstroke in London following a stunning performance in the weekend semifinals.

The Lake Forest native swam 52.16 to set another Olympic record in the event. It was 0.38 ahead of the previous mark set by American Aaron Peirsol at the 2008 Beijing Games.

Nick Thoman, another American, was second in 52.92, and Ryosuke Irie of Japan was third in 52.97.

Grevers had the best time Sunday in the 100-meter backstroke semifinals, earning him a spot in the finals. He was the only swimmer to break 53 seconds but on Monday needed to hold off world champion Camille Lacourt of France.

Grevers is no stranger to setting records. He took home a silver medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and set an Olympic record in the men's 100 backstroke.