After a series of iconic moments for Tatjana Schoenmaker, the star swimmer has claimed gold and a historic world title for South Africa! Beyond the big splashes, she also helped teammate Lara van Niekerk in a kind act of sportsmanship.
Fukuota, Japan (31 July, 2023)—Tatjana Schoenmaker has claimed iconic moment after iconic moment at the World Aquatic Championships in Japan, and recently she celebrated the golden cherry on top of the cake. However, the title history she made for South Africa or the gold medal she earned in the process aren’t the only moments South Africans have to be proud of when it comes to Schoenies. Our queen of fast waters also helped teammate Lara van Niekerk shine in a moment that goes beyond titles!
Setting off a positive streak for the swimmer, Schoenmaker claimed her fastest time since the 2021 Olympics. Thereafter, she smashed a silver victory for her 100m breaststroke.
While both were incredible moments for the swimmer and South Africa, all eyes were on the 200m breaststroke heats.
“I don’t train for the 100, I train for the 200 so I’m just grateful that my speed is there,” Schoemaker previously shared.
And her speed was definitely present; accelerating her to gold for her main event: the 200m breaststroke.
This moment has made a splash in South African swimming history as she is now the first South African woman ever to earn a world title at the World Aquatic Championships.
While winning is one thing, being iconic extends beyond titles. This is exactly what Schoenies exhibited behind the scenes after giving up her spot in a semi-finals heat to give Lara Van Niekerk a chance to compete.
“Forever grateful to @tatjanaschoen for giving up her spot for me in the semi’s after having an unfortunate start in the heats leaving me to be first reserve,” shared Lara van Niekerk who celebrated being 4th in the world largely thanks to to Schoenmaker’s gesture of empowering sportsmanship.
Champs helping champ, title history and gold in the achievements bank? The road to the 2024 Olympics is looking legendary.
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