Schoenmaker Returns to Peak Form, Just in Time for Olympic Preparations

Tatjana Schoenmaker is gearing up to showcase her prowess in the pool on the international stage, following a stellar performance at the national trials for the selection of the South African team for the World Aquatics Championships.

During last month’s trials in Durban, four South African swimmers met the qualifying criteria for the World Aquatics Championships. Leading the charge was Tatjana Schoenmaker, the swimming sensation from Pretoria. She not only secured qualifying times in the prelims but also dominated in the finals of the 50, 100, and 200m breaststroke events. Notably, her time in the 200m breaststroke was her fastest since clinching the world record and Olympic gold in Tokyo in 2021.

Schoenmaker posted an impressive 2:20.35 in the heats, followed by an even quicker 2:20.30 in the final, securing her position as the top-ranked swimmer in the world this season.

In addition to her remarkable performance in the 200m breaststroke, the 26-year-old achieved qualifying times in both the 100m breaststroke (1:06.71 and 1:06.10) and the 50m breaststroke (30.62 and 30.90).

Expressing her joy after the trials, Schoenmaker remarked, “I am very happy. I swam my fastest time since the Olympics in 2021. That was very unexpected, but I am feeling good. Sometimes you feel good and the results are not the same, so I am just glad that the results and the way I feel are matching.”

Joining Schoenmaker in securing a spot in the longer event was her training partner, Kaylene Corbett, who clocked 2:25.12 in the 200m breaststroke final.

Noteworthy achievements also came from Erin Gallagher, a Commonwealth Games silver medallist and Tuks student, who achieved double qualification in Durban with victories in the 50m butterfly (26.08) and the 100m butterfly (58.11).

As the excitement builds, several other swimmers globally have also met the qualifying standards for the World Championships. The selected team to represent South Africa in the event taking place from February 11-18 in Doha is eagerly awaited, with Swimming South Africa set to make the official announcement soon.

Source: Pretoria Sports News