Pieter Coetzé delivered an impressive performance

Pieter Coetzé delivered an impressive performance on the opening day of the SA National Swimming Championships in the Eastern Cape, becoming the first swimmer to qualify for the World Aquatics Championships.

The 20-year-old clocked 53.03 seconds in the 100m backstroke heat and improved to 52.71 in the final, securing victory over Ruard van Renen.

Despite concerns about race rust after a long break since October, Coetzé expressed satisfaction with his form and said the result boosted his confidence ahead of competing in additional backstroke and freestyle events.

The women’s 200m freestyle final witnessed an intense battle between defending champion Aimee Canny, Duné Coetzee, and Meder over the closing meters. Ultimately, it was the former TuksSwimming star, Duné Coetzee, currently studying in America, who claimed the title with a time of 1:59.09, followed closely by Meder in 1:59.38 and Canny in third place at 1:59.48.