Pieter Coetzé entered the SA National Swimming Championships with a clear mission: to secure his place at the upcoming World Aquatics Championships in Singapore. And with resounding success, he did exactly that and more!
Gqeberha, South Africa (14 April 2025) – He went into the SA National Swimming Championships with one main goal in mind: to qualify for the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore – and that is exactly what he did and achieved!
The scoreboard-dominating Pieter Coetzé impressed with his skill and speed as he led the pack at the nationals in Gqeberha, achieving the cut in four events.
According to Swimming South Africa, his fourth qualifier was accomplished on the final night of competition after cruising to victory in the 200m backstroke in a time of 1 minute 56.07.
“Mission accomplished,” said Coetzé following his sweet and very deserved victory.
“I just wanted to qualify, get it done. Obviously, it would have been nice to be with a bit faster… but I think I’m in a very good spot for this time of the year because I also don’t want to peak now. I want to go overseas and perform there, so I think this is a very good base and things are looking good.”
Coetzé finished joint top of the men’s medal table with five individual golds, having won the 50, 100 and 200m backstroke as well as the 50 and 100m freestyle.
Joining him on five titles was Matt Sates, who took victories in the 200m freestyle, 100 and 200m butterfly and the 200 and 400m individual medley.
Also making us proud was Erin Gallagher, who joined the Singapore team after clocking 25.93 seconds in the 50m butterfly heats, opting out of the evening final won by 17-year-old Jessica Thompson in 26.47 seconds.
Duné Coetzee claimed her fourth title, winning the 400m freestyle in 4:11.29, adding to her 200 m and 800m freestyle and 200m butterfly golds. Matthew Caldwell completed his freestyle sweep, winning the 400m in 3:54.96, having also secured titles in the 800m and 1500m.
Other winners included Hannah Pearse in the women’s 200m backstroke (2:13.13) and Joshua Emslie in the men’s 50m butterfly (24.30 seconds).
In para swimming, Christian Sadie, Danika Vyncke, and Nathan Hendricks achieved qualifying times for September’s World Para Swimming Championships, with times of 2:38.49, 2:15.54, and 2:51.60, respectively.
This remarkable showcase of talent, determination, and success at the SA Nationals fuels immense pride and excitement as these athletes prepare to make waves on the global stage.
Sources: Swimming South Africa
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