Peterson was jointly awarded the inaugural Open Water Swimmer of the Year by Swimming World magazine with Lurz.

Peterson also earned a gold medal in the 1500 meter freestyle at the 2005 Summer Nationals in Irvine, California.

At the 2010 NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships Peterson competed in the 1650, 500, and 200 yard freestyles placing 13th in the 1650 free and 14th in the 500 fr Peterson attended the University of North Carolina, where he swam for the North Carolina Tar Heels swimming and diving team.

During his freshman year, he set the Tar Heels team records in three events: the 500-, 1000-, and 1650-yard freestyle.

While in college, Peterson was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and ended up having a total colectomy.