Team SA’s campaign at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, seems to be picking up as medals have started rolling in.
“It felt amazing, the crowd was going wild, so I knew it was going to be close. But I was just happy that I could swim the second fastest time I’ve ever done, and to win a medal is a bonus, so I’m super happy. I just want to go and enjoy it. The pressure is off now, so I’m just going to have fun and do my best,” said Van Niekerk.
Minutes after Van Niekerk got Team SA’s first gold, Coetzé added the second after he impressively won the men’s 100m backstroke final in 53.78 sec. “It was a bit closer than I expected. I was expecting to go a bit faster than the semi, but my coach told me it’s not about times at all, it’s just about getting the win. It’s my first international medal and it’s amazing to get a gold,” Coetzé.
Team SA would have added more medals overnight to their tally. The duo of Schoenmaker and Corbett would have got podium finishes in the women’s 200m breaststroke final. Meanwhile, the men’s Seven Rugby team were scheduled to play in the final match against Fiji on Sunday night.
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