Coetzé clocks another Olympic qualifier en route to fourth gold at SA champs

Pieter Coetzé added a fourth gold medal to his growing haul at the SA National Swimming Championships in Gqeberha on Thursday while also registering two Olympic qualifying times in the 100m backstroke.

The 19-year-old swam 53.05 seconds in the morning heats to dip under the required 53.74 seconds to reach the Olympic Games and went even quicker in the evening final, finishing in 52.89 seconds to take the title.

While he was pleased with the win, the Pretoria swimmer was hoping his closest rival, silver medallist Ruard van Renen would also dip under the Olympic qualifying time. But the US-based 20-year-old touched in 54.50 seconds for his second place, so missing out.

“It feels great,” said Coetzé. “I actually also really wanted Ruard to get the time. It would be really nice to have two of us but I think he’ll get it eventually so I’m really rooting for him.”

Coetzé in competing in two more individual events at these championships.

“I have the 50 free and 200IM. I’m doing the heat [for the IM]. I’m still deciding whether I’ll do the final because it’s been years since I’ve done it and I know it’s a race that really hurts and my breaststroke sucks so I’m not too excited for that one but I will be doing it,” he explained.

PB FOR COETZEE

Fellow teenager Milla Drakopoulos claimed the women’s 100m backstroke title in a time of 1:01.70. While it was short of the Olympic qualifying mark, the 17-year-old is still determined to book her ticket to Paris later this year and will target the time again in the medley relay.

“The time wasn’t too good but I’m just grateful to God. It’s been a tough week. I’ve been racing a lot. I’ve still got the relay on Saturday which will help, I’ve got a day off tomorrow so I can rest and hopefully get