South African Swimming Shows Promise After National Championships in Gqeberha
Veteran star Chad Le Clos expressed optimism about the direction of South African swimming following the recent national championships held in Gqeberha. The 34‑year‑old, who clinched victory in the 100 m butterfly, noted that the performance depth at the meet bodes well for upcoming international assignments, including a guaranteed relay spot at the Commonwealth Games later this year.
Record‑breaking qualifier numbers
According to the official results, eight women and five men achieved qualifying times in individual events – almost double the three women and four men who met the same standards in 2023. This surge reflects a broader trend of athletes staying competitive beyond their teenage years.
Swimming South Africa’s high‑performance manager, Dean Price, highlighted that the increased depth is especially valuable for relay preparation. With the 2025 World Cup registration times still in effect, South Africa has been allocated 67 places for the upcoming World Cup series, of which 21 are earmarked for swimming. An additional eight berths are reserved specifically to bolster relay squads, a strategic move aimed at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Longevity in the sport drives success
A key factor behind the higher qualifier count is the growing number of female swimmers continuing to compete past the age of 20. A decade ago, fewer than five women over 20 appeared at the national championships; this year, 30 female athletes participated, with 18 representing the University of Pretoria (Tuks) and many others training at U.S. universities.
Seven of the eight women who qualified are 22 or older, while the youngest female qualifier, Jessica Thompson, is 18. On the men’s side, Chris Smith, aged 20, is the youngest qualifier. Veteran breaststroker Kaylene Corbett, who earned a bronze medal in the 200 m breaststroke at the 2025 World Championships, emphasized the importance of perseverance:
“I would like to see girls really keep going after puberty… It’s important… to endure the few years when you’re not making progress. I’m 26 now, which is considered older than the rest of the girls, and I think it’s time to show the girls that you can get through this.”
Corbett’s remarks echo the experiences of other senior athletes such as Erin Gallagher (27), Aimee Canny (22) and Olivia Nel (23), who train in the United States and are viewed as pivotal to South Africa’s seasonal success.
Mixed relay focus and leadership
Dean Price is particularly enthusiastic about the mixed‑relay events that will feature at both the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics. The foundation of South Africa’s mixed‑relay squad lies with Pieter Coetzé, the reigning world champion in the 100 m backstroke who also claimed silver in the 200 m and 50 m backstroke at the recent global gala. Coetzé’s dominance in the 100 m freestyle further positions him to contribute to either leg of the medley relay.
Le Clos summed up the sentiment:
“The future is bright… Pieter has really shown he’s the man.”
Commonwealth Games qualifiers
The athletes who have secured individual qualification for the Commonwealth Games are listed below.
- Men:
- Pieter Coetzé, 21 – 100 m backstroke, 50 m backstroke, 100 m freestyle, 50 m freestyle, 200 m backstroke
- Ruard van Renen, 22 – 100 m backstroke, 50 m backstroke
- Calvyn Justus, 30 – 50 m freestyle
- Michael Houlie – 50 m breaststroke
- Chris Smith, 20 – 50 m breaststroke
- Women:
- Aimee Canny, 22 – 200 m freestyle, 100 m breaststroke, 200 m IM, 200 m breaststroke
- Rebecca Meder, 23 – 200 m IM
- Jessica Thompson, 18 – 50 m backstroke, 50 m freestyle
- Erin Gallagher, 27 – 100 m butterfly, 50 m butterfly
- Kaylene Corbett, 26 – 200 m breaststroke
- Caitlin de Lange, 22 – 50 m freestyle, 50 m butterfly
- Lara van Niekerk, 22 – 50 m breaststroke
- Hannah Pearse, 23 – 200 m backstroke
These selections underscore a balanced blend of youth and experience, setting the stage for competitive performances at the Commonwealth Games and laying groundwork for Olympic ambitions in 2028.
