In the electric waters of Singapore, Pieter Coetzé didn’t just swim — he soared. With every powerful pull and perfectly timed turn, the 21-year-old South African etched his name into history, claiming gold in the 100m backstroke at the World Aquatics Championships and igniting a wave of national pride.
Against a field stacked with Olympic champions and world-class talent, Coetzé proved that belief and preparation are a powerful current.
Clocking an African record of 51.85 seconds — just a heartbeat shy of the world record — he out-touched Italy’s Thomas Ceccon (51.90) and France’s Yohann Ndoye-Brouard (51.92) in a finish as tight as a swimmer’s cap.
Thomas Ceccon (Silver), Pieter Coetzé (Gold) and Yohann Ndoye-Brouard (Bronze) Photo: World Aquatics
“I always thought it would happen eventually,” Coetzé reflected, joy and relief splashing across his face.
“In my mind, it was just a matter of time, but to do it this year is amazing.”
Coming from third-fastest in the semifinals, Coetzé’s golden finish was a testament to resilience and razor-sharp focus.
“The competition was very deep here… there were eight guys who could have won it. I knew that going into it — and to get away with the win is awesome,” he said.
More than the stopwatch, it was the moment that mattered.
“Every time I break [the African record], I’m really happy with it,” he added.
“But tonight, it was more about the win than the time. In a final, you don’t really think about the time at all.”
A student of psychology at TUKS, Coetzé’s mental strength matched his physical brilliance — and with the 50m and 200m backstroke events still ahead, his story is far from finished.
Pieter Coetzé 100m backstroke Gold Medalist Photo: World Aquatics
He wasn’t the only South African to make waves. Nineteen-year-old Chris Smith lit up the pool in the 50m breaststroke, swimming a personal best of 26.77 seconds in the semifinal to earn a spot in the final.
“Every swim is a step closer to my dream,” he said earlier in the week — and now, that dream is within reach.
Aimee Canny, too, showed grit and determination. After qualifying for the 200m freestyle semifinals with a solid 1:57.53, she gave it her all once more, finishing 12th overall. Her presence at this level is already a beacon for rising swimmers back home.
The journey continues. Smith will race for a medal in the 50m breaststroke final, Olivia Nel returns to the pool for the 50m backstroke after her stellar World University Games run, Matt Sates takes on the 200m individual medley, and Team South Africa will bring the fight in the mixed 4x100m medley relay.
In a world that often measures success in tenths of a second, Coetzé’s triumph is a timeless reminder: greatness isn’t born — it’s earned, one stroke at a time.
