Coetzé leads the way as swimmers qualify for world championships

Two more swimmers achieved world championships qualifying marks on the second day of action at the SA National Swimming Championships in Gqeberha, joining the star of the opening night, Pieter Coetzé, on the team to Singapore later this year.

- ROWAN CALLAGHAN

Rebecca Meder raced to victory in a time of 2:10.39 in the 200m medley, booking a place at the global event and setting a new national record.

Meder had set the previous record of 2:10.67 at the Olympic Games in Paris last year and was blown away by the achievement.

“I will say I'm very surprised with a 2:10.3. We thought at least the 2:11 low, maybe sneak in a 2:10 high, but to break my own SA record and to go a 2:10.3 is mind blowing, so I'm really happy with that,” she said afterwards.

Another surprise record came in the women’s 50m backstroke where Michaela de Villiers outgunned Jessica Thompson to take gold in a new national mark of 28.25 seconds.

“I am so happy about it. It's very exciting, not something I expected so very, very happy,” said an elated De Villiers.

It was the Louisiana-based star's first senior long course national title.