Tatjana Seizes 100m Breaststroke Gold At Paris Olympics

Tatjana Smith stormed to Team SA’s first medal in the Olympic pool in Paris on Monday night, claiming gold in the 100m breaststroke with a stunning time of 1:05.28.

The 27-year-old swimmer narrowly missed the top spot in Tokyo with a silver medal three years ago.
This week she delivered an incredible performance, particularly in the second half of her race joining Penny Heyns in the sporting history books.
Tatjana was fourth at the turn, but her explosive final 50 meters propelled her into first place, edging out her competitors in a thrilling finish.
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China’s Qianting Tang, who holds the fastest 100m breaststroke time in the world this year, had to settle for silver with a time of 1:05.54, while Ireland’s Mona McSharry claimed bronze in 1:05.59.

I had no idea where I was, literally most of the race. I actually didn’t think I medalled because when I turned to my left, the two blocks next to me both had lights on and it felt like someone else on the other side touched first. So I actually didn’t think I was medalling. My main goal was just to not do what I did in Tokyo and look around, so literally the last 15 metres, I was like, no, close your eyes, let’s just go.

// South African Professional Swimmer, Tatjana Smith

Just one race before Tatjana’s remarkable victory, Pieter Coetzé made his Olympic final debut in the 100m backstroke. Despite entering the race as the joint third fastest qualifier, Pieter finished fifth, narrowly missing out on a medal but setting a new African record with a time of 52.58 seconds. Italian Thomas Ceccon took the gold in 52.00, Jiayu Xu claimed silver in 52.32, and American Ryan Murphy secured the bronze in 52.39.

I’m definitely proud of myself and I’m just grateful for the opportunity to even be here. So obviously it would have been nice to get a medal, but I can’t let that play in my mind too much.

// South African Professional Swimmer, Pieter Coetzé

Tatjana’s gold medal not only marks a significant achievement for her personally but also sets a high standard for Team SA in the pool at these Olympics. Image: Team SA

Looking ahead, Pieter remains optimistic about his upcoming events. He will return to the pool for the 200m backstroke, the event in which he claimed World Championship bronze earlier this year.

My speed is obviously a good sign. But I’ve just got to switch off a little bit now. I’m not going to be thinking about the 200 too much. Right now, I’m feeling pretty tired but I’m confident though, I think it will be good.

// South African Professional Swimmer, Pieter Coetzé

Pieter also expressed his admiration for Tatjana’s achievement.

I’m super happy for her. I was just saying she’s a great role model and I’ve gotten to know her much better on this trip. I love learning from her, so to see that was a big honour for me as well.

// South African Professional Swimmer, Pieter Coetzé

Her determination and exceptional performance underscore the resilience and skill of South African athletes on the world stage. As the swimming events progress, the excitement and anticipation for more memorable performances from Team SA continue to build, with hopes of more medals and record-breaking feats.

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