Team South Africa has claimed double gold in swimming at the 2022 Commonwealth Games so far.
Lara van Niekerk claimed South Africa’s first gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games on Saturday as she won the 50m breaststroke final.
Swimming in lane 1, Van Niekerk didn’t have the best of starts, but a superb finish saw her touch the wall in 29.73, a new Games record.
She finished ahead of Imogen Clark (England) in 30.02 and Chelsea Hodges (Australia) in 30.05.
Two other South Africans, Tatjana Schoenmaker, finished fourth with Kaylene Corbett in sixth.
What a race.
Lara van Niekerk claims gold!
Halala Mzansi! Halala.#TeamSA#B2022 pic.twitter.com/mKuS6YMTyL
— Team South Africa (@TeamSA2024) July 30, 2022
In the men’s 100m backstroke final, Pieter Coetze produced a stunning swim to come home first.
Swimming in lane 4, Coetze powered into the lead and kept 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
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