The Tuks swimmer claimed bronze in the 200m breaststroke before returning to the pool the following day to win silver in the 100m, setting personal bests in both events.
Dakar, Senegal (05 November 2026) – Chanel Veldsman has enjoyed a remarkable few days at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, turning a personal-best target into a two-medal haul for South Africa.
The Tuks-based swimmer first stepped onto the podium in the 200m breaststroke, claiming bronze in a time of 2:30.87. Even more impressive was that she shaved almost four seconds off her previous personal best.
Japan’s Mana Ishikawa took gold in 2:26.50, with China’s Mohan Chang finishing second in 2:27.21.
Veldsman admitted that a medal had not been on her radar before the competition, making the achievement all the more special.
“I didn’t expect to qualify for the final at all. My only goal was to give it my all, that’s my objective every time I race. It is an incredible achievement, and bringing home bronze for my country means the world to me. I’m not looking too far ahead; I’ll take things one step at a time from here, but for now, I’m going to savour this unforgettable moment.”
And she was not finished there.
The following day, Veldsman returned to the pool for the 100m breaststroke and added a silver medal to her collection, once again producing a personal best.
Her time of 1:09.48 was more than a second quicker than her previous best. Ishikawa claimed another gold in 1:08.81, while Hong Kong’s Wui Kiu Man took bronze in 1:10.33.
“I never thought I would win a medal at the Games, let alone two! The best I had hoped for was to qualify for a final. My main goal was to improve my personal best times. In the 100m breaststroke, I stayed completely focused on my race plan. It worked.”
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“I trust him completely, knowing that he has produced Olympians and is deeply committed to his swimmers. It’s an amazing journey to be coached by him.”
Her results have also added to an encouraging showing by the Tuks swimming contingent in Dakar, with fellow swimmer Leah Markgraaff having claimed silver in the 400m freestyle.
Veldsman will now turn her attention to the 50m breaststroke as she looks to build on an unforgettable Youth Olympic campaign.
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