Coetze primed for international gigs

Having shone as the standout performer at the SA Swimming Championships, raking in five gold medals, Pieter Coetze says he is looking forward to the international season as he aims to go quicker in the build-up to the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore in July.

- Wesley Botton

At the five-day national championships which came to a close in Gqeberha on Sunday, Coetze achieved the A-standard qualifying times for the global showpiece in four events – the 50m backstroke (24.56), 100m freestyle (48.63), 100m backstroke (52.71) and 200m backstroke (1:56.07).

Though he didn't meet the required standard in the 50m freestyle, he also won the SA title in that event, closing out a successful week for the 20-year-old star.