After capturing silver in the 100m breaststroke, Tatjana Schoenmaker (24) strikes GOLD in a thrilling and dramatic finale. The swimming sensation has set a new world record.
Tokyo, Japan (30 July 2021) – In a gripping finale at the Tokyo Aquatic Centre, Tatjana Schoenmaker of South Africa won gold in the 200-meter breaststroke, prompting elation and celebration. She also smashed the world record.
Her achievement in the event, which came at the end of a punishing schedule and will go down in history as one of South Africa’s greatest Olympic swims.

The Tuks Sport’s star qualified for the final by winning her semi-final on Thursday in another quick time of 2:19.33, which was not far off her explosive Olympic record of 2:19.16, which she set in her heat on Wednesday.
Schoenmaker continued her blazing speed in the finals this morning. The Commonwealth Champion and World Medalist didn’t waste any time establishing herself in the pool. The South African swimmer got out to a strong start in the water, quickly outdistancing her rivals and retaining the lead until gliding into the wall. Schoenmaker won the gold medal in a new world record time of 2:18.95.
While Schoenmaker’s swim schedule had been demanding, she was determined to stay focused throughout the final, stating before the race that she had been suffering from the effects of everyday racing since Sunday.
Despite this, the 24-year-old remained optimistic that her Olympic goal would come to a successful conclusion. Her main objective in the final was to swim a faultless race and win the gold medal. She beamingly smiled in the pool after the contest as she knew she had achieved her lifelong dream of winning an Olympic gold medal.
In the finals, Schoenmaker faced a strong field, including South Africa’s Kaylene Corbett, a 22-year-old teammate. Corbett, who swam a personal best in her Olympic debut 200m heat on Wednesday, finished strong with a 2:22.06 time, giving the Tuks swimmer a fifth-place finish.


Source: Good Things Guy
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