CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Aaron Peirsol, the world-record holder and two-time Olympic champion handed Michael Phelps his first defeat in almost a year, winning the 100-meter backstroke at the Charlotte UltraSwim last night.

Wearing his new Arena suit, Peirsol got off to a strong start and touched in 53.32 seconds. Phelps was trailing by more than a half-second at the turn and had no chance to make that up against one of the world’s greatest backstrokers, taking second in 53.79.