Two South African swimmers, Pieter Coetze and Lara van Niekerk, have successfully reached their respective semi-finals at the ongoing World Aquatics Championships in Qatar.
Coetze, 19, posted the fastest qualifying time for the 100 metres backstroke semi-finals. Gold medallist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Coetze completed the race in 53.32 seconds.
While this time was slightly slower than his South African and African record of 52.78 seconds, it secured his spot in the semi-finals.
Another accomplished South African swimmer, Lara van Niekerk also progressed to the semi-finals in the women’s 100 metres breaststroke.
Van Niekerk, who clinched gold in the same event at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, finished sixth in heat six, ultimately securing the 15th fastest time of the 16 qualifiers.
South African National Swimming Championships a success
