Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Keanan Hemmonsbey
Published on 2024-04-09 21:33:35
Pieter Coetzé emerged victorious in the men’s 100m freestyle event at the South African Swimming Championships, beating out veteran Chad le Clos and Guy Brooks. Coetzé, aged 19, showcased a strong performance, leading the race at the 50m mark and maintaining his position to secure the win. Despite a slower second lap, Coetzé was able to finish ahead of his competitors and expressed his joy at winning in such a competitive field.
Reflecting on his race, Coetzé acknowledged his desire for a faster time, aiming for an Olympic qualifying time of 48 seconds. He attributed his slightly slower performance to lack of rest leading up to the event but remained pleased with his victory. Looking ahead, Coetzé expressed his excitement for future competitions, particularly setting his sights on the Paris Olympics.
Meanwhile, Chad le Clos made the strategic decision to opt out of the 200m butterfly event, allowing Matthew Sates to claim the gold medal almost uncontested. Sates, who excelled in his preferred event, the 200m butterfly, secured the victory comfortably, with Benjamin Plattner rounding off the podium.
Sates, already qualified for the Paris Olympics in the 200m butterfly, approached the event with a focus on maintaining his top position rather than achieving a specific time goal. His performance elicited a loud cheer from the crowd, despite his admission of struggling towards the end of the race. On the other hand, le Clos contemplated a time trial for the 200m butterfly but ultimately decided against it after consulting with his coach.
In the women’s events, Duné Coetzee clinched victory in the 200m butterfly, while Aimee Canny emerged as the winner in the 100m freestyle. Both athletes showcased strong performances, with Canny acknowledging her ambitious start in the race and expressing excitement for future competitions.
Additionally, three Paralympic Games qualifiers were achieved on the same evening, with Christian Sadie, Nathan Hendricks, and Kat Swanepoel successfully securing their spots. Despite a disqualification in the final, Swanepoel remained determined and appealed the decision, highlighting the resilience and dedication of these athletes in pursuit of their Paralympic dreams.
Overall, the South African Swimming Championships provided a platform for athletes to showcase their talent, determination, and passion for the sport, setting the stage for future successes and opportunities on the international stage.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
