Rising stars take centre stage at SA Swimming Champs

As the 2025 SA Senior National Swimming Championships kick off in Gqeberha this week, the absence of two of the country’s biggest names marks a new chapter for South African swimming. Tatjana Smith, who retired after winning gold and silver at the Paris Olympics last year, will not be featuring. Neither will 2012 Olympic champion Chad le Clos, who is taking an extended break to recover from injury.

It’s the first time in 20 years that Le Clos will not be competing, although he is expected to be present poolside to support his fellow swimmers. Despite their absence, the championships are expected to deliver high-quality performances as athletes aim to qualify for the upcoming World Championships in Singapore, set for 27 July to 3 August.

Among those eyeing qualification is Olympic finalist Pieter Coetzé, who is juggling his swimming career with his first year studying psychology at the University of Pretoria.

“This year has been very interesting. I started studying so it’s pretty new to me, having to manage my time a bit more outside of the pool,” explained the 20-year-old. “But I’ve kept up my training and the standard’s quite high, so I’m in good shape and I’m excited to qualify for a few events for the World Championships,” added Coetzé, who will compete in the 50, 100 and 200m backstroke, and the 50 and 100m freestyle.

Coetzé will face tough opposition from US-based backstroker Ruard van Renen, who made the final of the 100m backstroke at last year’s World Short Course Championships.

“Training has been better than ever, I’ve just finished with a great collegiate year going a bunch of PBs and All-American titles, so confidence heading into nationals is at an all-time high,” said Van Renen, who is coached by former SA swimmer Neil Versfeld at the University of Georgia. “Even though it’s a different pool, I know the work that me and Neil have put in will show.”

Rebecca Meder is another standout name to watch. After being forced out of last year’s championships due to a ruptured appendix, she heads into this year’s event in far better shape.

“I have been doing lots of racing in New Zealand in preparation for Nationals and my times have been looking really strong and pretty solid in training, which has been quite positive,” said Meder, who will race in the 100 and 200m breaststroke, 200m individual medley, 100m butterfly and 200m freestyle.

“Compared to last year, there’s not really much comparison. This year is a very different set-up. I’m looking forward to actually racing at Nationals. The world is swimming fast at the moment, so I think us South Africans are having to hop on that fast train and see how fast we can go too.”

Meder will go up against two-time Olympic finalist Kaylene Corbett in the 200m breaststroke. Commonwealth Games double gold medallist Lara van Niekerk will miss the championships as she focuses on training following a long injury spell.

The men’s breaststroke is set to feature an exciting clash between World Short Course Championship finalists Michael Houlie and Chris Smith.

 “I’m really happy with the work that’s been put in. I know that when I’m at my best I am having fun, staying loose and playful and that really enables me to just be present and trust the process. I'm very motivated and focused for this year,” said Houlie, who is also targeting the World University Games and the World Championships.

Matt Sates will also be aiming to impress after training in Switzerland with Olympic bronze medallist Noè Ponti. He is entered in 10 events. Fellow Olympian Erin Gallagher is competing in five and is expected to dominate the butterfly sprints, while Aimee Canny will aim to defend her 100 and 200m freestyle titles.

The SA Senior National Swimming Championships run from 9 to 13 April at Newton Park Swimming Pool in Gqeberha. 

IOL Sport