World champion Pieter Coetzé claimed a backstroke double with victory in the 50m and 100m at the China Swimming Open in Shenzhen at the weekend.
Image: Swimming South Africa
South Africa’s world champion Pieter Coetzé delivered a commanding statement at the China Swimming Open in Shenzhen at the weekend, clinching two gold medals and once again getting the better of world record holder Thomas Ceccon.
Coetzé’s standout moment came in the 50m backstroke, where he powered to victory in 24.83 seconds, finishing ahead of Italy’s Ceccon (25.01) and Russia’s Kliment Kolesnikov (25.02) in a high-quality final. The result marked another chapter in his growing rivalry with Ceccon, following their World Championships showdown.
The 20-year-old backed that up with gold in the 100m backstroke – the event where he won gold at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore last year – touching in 52.73 to complete an impressive double and underline his consistency at the highest level. His 50m time also comfortably met the qualifying standard for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow laster this year, further boosting his credentials ahead of a busy international season.
While Coetzé stole the spotlight, compatriot Kaylene Corbett also enjoyed a successful meet, claiming two bronze medals in the breaststroke events.
Corbett produced a thrilling finish in the 50m breaststroke final, clocking 31.59 to edge out American Alex Walsh (31.62) by just 0.03 seconds in a tight race for the podium. She added a second bronze in the 200m breaststroke, posting a time of 2:25.07 to round off a consistent showing.
The performances of both swimmers provided a strong boost for South African swimming on the international stage, with Coetzé continuing to assert himself among the world’s elite and Corbett demonstrating her ability to deliver under pressure.
With major global competitions on the horizon, including the 2028 LA Olympics, Coetzé ’s double gold – highlighted by another victory over Ceccon – signals a swimmer in peak form, while Corbett’s podium finishes underline the depth and promise in the national team.