The Commonwealth Games reached day two on Saturday and have already seen South African swimmers Lara van Niekerk breaking a record and Pieter Coetze securing the gold, making South Africa as proud as ever.
South Africa was destined to claim a spot on the podium for the 50m breaststroke final as SA’s top three Lara van Niekerk, Tatjana Schoenmaker, and Kaylene Corbett The only question was who will it be?!
As reported by News 24, it was none other than teen sensation Lara van Niekerk.
She earned South Africa’s first gold medal for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham as she won the women’s 50m breaststroke final, setting a new Games record in the process.
For the final, van Niekerk didn’t have the best of starts as England’s Imogen Clark held the lead for most of the race, but a stunning finish saw her touch the wall with a time of 29.73.
200m breaststroke world record holder and Olympic gold medallist, Tatjana Schoenmaker, finished fourth in 30.41 seconds, while SA National Swimming Championship silver medallist, Kaylene Corbett, finished sixth in a time of 31.10.
What a race.
Lara van Niekerk claims gold!
Halala Mzansi! Halala.#TeamSA#B2022 pic.twitter.com/mKuS6YMTyL
— Team South Africa (@TeamSA2024) July 30, 2022
The men’s 100m backstroke final brings home South Africa’s second gold medal from the pool as Pieter Coetze powered into the lead, holding his consistency despite a charge by several other competitors.
However, the 18-year-old held on to touch the wall in 53.78 to seal gold for South Africa.
England’s Brodie Williams came second in 53.91, while Australian Bradley Woodward took the bronze medal (54.06).
? for Coetze.
Another Gold for #TeamSA.
The games are officially open as #TeamSA bag their second gold medal.
#CommonwealthGames #B2022 #B2022Swimming pic.twitter.com/KTSpMeXRcN
— Team South Africa (@TeamSA2024) July 30, 2022
Let’s see what day three has in store for us.
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Picture: Unsplash