Both Erin Gallagher and Tatjana Smith made strong starts at the SA National Swimming Championships in Gqeberha on Monday.
Gallagher smashed the SA record in the 50m butterfly, clocking 25.59 seconds, setting the pace for her week ahead. She still has the 50m and 100m freestyle, as well as the 100m butterfly events to look forward to.
“Afternoon vibes were great, and I sensed it was the right time for a personal best,” Gallagher said. “It’s odd when you feel a good swim brewing, and it’s all about seizing the moment.”
Reflecting on her prospects for other events, Gallagher said, “It’s nice to think a PB in one event means good things for the others, but each race has its own vibe and strategy. The 50s are about pure speed, while the 100s need a more controlled approach. It’s unpredictable, but I’m eager for what’s ahead.”
Meanwhile, two-time Olympic medalist Tatjana Schoenmaker, now competing as Smith made waves by clinching the 50m breaststroke title in a time of 30.09 seconds, matching her morning heats’ personal best.
Van Niekerk, the SA record holder, settled for second place in 30.16 seconds, a bit off her top form.
Smith commented, “Having a 50-meter event is refreshing; no pressure of main events or Olympic qualifications, just easing into the gala.”
She added, “It’s surprising because speed was my training focus, considering I usually train for 200-meter events. Speed events gauge my progress, and seeing I’m fast is encouraging for the rest of the gala.”
Pieter Coetzé clinched victory in the 50m backstroke, although his time of 24.54 seconds, the same as his morning heat, left room for improvement.
“I’m not thrilled with the time. Faster would’ve been better, but it’s a 50, so not too fazed. A warm-up swim on day one is reassuring going forward,” Coetzé remarked.
“I felt good in the race. Can’t pinpoint anything wrong, but I’ll review the video for tweaks. I’m content with where I stand,” the 19-year-old added.
Other SA titleholders included Michael Houlie in the 50m breaststroke (27.15 seconds), Jarden Eaton in the 50m butterfly (24.18), Tayla Jonker in the 50m backstroke (28.50), Duné Coetzee in the 800m freestyle (8:40.13), and Matthew Caldwell in the 1500m freestyle (15:49.25), although the latter race was won by Indian swimmer Kushagra Rawat in 15:41.61.
The swimming action resumes at the Newton Park Swimming Pool in Gqeberha on Tuesday morning.
