Every South African a Swimmer

Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Ryan Coetzee was among three athletes to add their names to the World Swimming Short-Course Championships team

Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Ryan Coetzee was among three athletes to add their names to the World Swimming Short-Course Championships team
Durban, Friday, 10th August 2018 - The country's top swimmers are in action at the 2018 SA National Swimming Championships (25m) held at the Kings Park Aquatics Centre where FINA World Swimming Short-Course Championships (25m) places are up for grabs. Coetzee and Rio Olympics finalist Brad Tandy and talented youngster Rebecca Meder dipped below the qualifying marks in their respective events.

The 16-year-old Meder qualified for her first senior world championships when she posted a qualifying mark in the 200m Individual Medley in the morning heats. She posted a time of 2:12.35 before winning the event during the evening finals clocking 2:12.71 to beat breaststroke specialist Tatjana Schoenmaker to the wall. Schoenmaker finished second with 2:13.11 with Marlies Ross bagging bronze with 2:13.27.

Coetzee won the 50m butterfly with a time of 22.99 with Tandy touching second in 23.12. Doug Erasmus finished third in 23.60.

Olympic gold medalist Chad le Clos, who already qualified for the world championships in the 100m freestyle also dipped below the qualifying mark in the 50m butterfly during the morning heats.

Zane Waddell, who already qualified in the men's 100m freestyle won the 100m backstroke final with a time of 51.63. He was followed by Jacques van Wyk (52.70) in second place and Leith Shankland (54.36).

Erin Gallagher, who already booked her place for the championships in the 100m freestyle, added the 50m butterfly to her repertoire. She won the sprint event in 26.07 with Tayla Lovemore finishing behind her in 26.32. Emma Chelius bagged bronze clocking 27.69.

Ayrton Sweeney won the men's 200m IM in 1:57.96 14 with Ruan Ras finishing second with 1:59 96 and Damian Mullen taking bronze in 2:00.08.

Qualifying Times following Day 02 – World Short-Course Championships:

Men:

Chad le Clos - 100m freestyle (46.45), 50m butterfly (22.57)

Zane Waddell - 100m freestyle (47.54)

Ryan Coetzee - 50m butterfly - (22.99)

Brad Tandy - 50m butterfly - (23.12)

Women:

Tatjana Schoenmaker - 200m breaststroke - 2:18.93

Emily Visagie - 200m breaststroke - 2:23.03

Erin Gallagher - 100m freestyle (53.34), 50m butterfly (26.07)

Rebecca Meder - 200m IM (2:12.35)

Heats start at 09h00 while the finals begin at 17h00 every day.

The staging of this event has been made possible through the support provided by Swimming SA partners, Sport and Recreation South Africa, SASCOC, Arena, Rand Water and the National Lotteries Commission.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Swimming South Africa

011 404 2480

Swimming South Africa is the governing body of aquatics in South Africa.

Its objective is to encourage the practice of aquatic disciplines for all in South Africa with the purpose of promoting swimming as a life skill through Learn To Swim programmes; providing healthy exercise to South Africans of all ages and races; recruiting recreational swimmers to compete in the various competitions; and promoting competition and athlete development to the highest level. Swimming South Africa is kindly supported by SASCOC, National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, Arena, Sport & Recreation SA and Rand Water.