Tuks swimmers back with a splash

Christiaan Steenekamp

At the recent SA National Aquatic Championships held in Gqeberha, Tatjana Schoenmaker reminded everyone why she is an Olympic gold medallist and world record holder. Schoenmaker swam the 50m breaststroke in 30.71 seconds, the 100m breaststroke in 1:05.89 minutes and the 200m breaststroke in 2:22.44 minutes. Her achievement in the 100m breaststroke is equal to the second fastest time in the world this year. Another Tuks swimmer, Pieter Coetzé, put on a show by setting a new national and continental record in the 100m backstroke. He swam an impressive time of 52.78 seconds.

A-qualifying times, also known as Olympic qualifying times, are set by World Aquatics, formerly FINA, the international governing body for all aquatic sports.. These A-qualifying times are important, since they allow swimmers to automatically qualify for the 2023 World Aquatics Championships that will be held in Japan in July. Six of the 12 swimmers who swam A-qualifying times at the SA Nationals are from Tuks. What an unbelievable feat.