A powerful swim by Jessica Thompson as she smashed a 16-year-old record, creating a standout moment at the SA Nationals Championships
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa (30 September 2025) – 18-year-old Jessica Thompson lit up the Bombela Concession Company SA National (25m) Championships. The rising star stormed to victory in the women’s 50m backstroke, touching the wall in 26.85 seconds to break a record that had stood unchallenged for 16 years.
The previous mark, set in 2009 by Chanelle van Wyk, had seemed out of reach. On the day Jessica broke the record, fittingly, it was Chanelle Van Wyk on the poolside providing commentary as Jessica placed her name into the history books.
“It’s so good, especially after last night. I think it was a bit of a tough pill to swallow, but I’m really happy to have gotten it tonight and just getting that time is a really big deal for me.”
The achievement was even sweeter considering she had narrowly missed the 50m butterfly record the previous evening.
While Jessica’s performance stole the headlines, the pool was alive with standout swims. Chad le Clos reminded the crowd why he remains one of South Africa’s most decorated athletes, winning the men’s 50m backstroke in 23.62 seconds before another victory in the 100m butterfly. Rising star Abigail Kotze, just 16, stunned Olympian Duné Coetzee to claim the women’s 100m butterfly in 1:00.69 and Duné earlier secured gold in the 200m freestyle.
The championships also saw fresh talent make their mark. Carli Antonopoulos celebrated her first national short course title in the 800m freestyle after a tough year recovering from injury. The pool was also graced by teenagers Keira van Heerden and Juan Boshoff, who impressed with victories in the 400m individual medley.
But that Friday evening belonged to Jessica. In breaking a 16-year-old record and equalling an African best. Safe to say the next generation of South African swimming is ready for the spotlight.
Sources: Swimming South Africa
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