ATHENS, Greece, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Aaron Peirsol won an Olympic gold medal Thursday night, lost it and then claimed it again to make it a big swimming evening for the United States.
Michael Phelps won his fourth gold and sixth medal overall and Amanda Beard triumphed as well as the Americans walked away with three of the four finals on the program.
Peirsol was the heavy favorite to win the 200-meter backstroke and did so comfortably for his second gold of the Games. He beat Markus Rogan of Austria by more than two seconds, but was then disqualified for an illegal turn at the 150-meter mark.
The Americans protested and less than 30 minutes later Peirsol was reinstated as the winner.
"It was a roller coaster," Peirsol said. "I really wasn't too worried."
Phelps led a 1-2 American finish in the 200 individual medley ahead of Ryan Lochte. Phelps has four golds and two bronzes with two events left to swim.
Beard won the 200 breaststroke for her sixth career Olympic medal.
The women's 100 freestyle was won by world record holder Jodie Henry of Australia. American Natalie Coughlin took bronze.
