World champion Coetzé proud to join South African swimming greats

PRETORIA swimmer Pieter Coetzé said he is honoured to be named in the same league as former Proteas swimmers and his icons like Roland Schoeman and Chad le Clos.

- JEHRAN NAIDOO

Coetzé won three of South Africa's four medals at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, including the country’s only gold in the 100m backstroke. In doing so, he set a new African record and became world champion — a dream he has had since taking the sport seriously.

The 21-year-old also earned silver medals in the 50m and 200m backstroke events, while Kaylene Corbett secured a bronze in the 200m breaststroke.

Those results came on the back of a taxing schedule. A Tuks alum, Coetzé had just returned from Germany, where he competed at the World University Games. There, he won gold in the 50m and 100m backstroke and claimed silver in the 100m freestyle.

“It’s been a really successful few weeks,” said Coetzé .