Backstroke specialist Pieter Coetze’s journey at the Olympics has come to an end, and although he does not leave with a medal, he leaves with his head held high as the new African record holder for the men’s 200m backstroke.
This comes shortly after the swimmer’s stellar performance recently which secured him the African record for completing the men’s 100m backstroke in 52.58 seconds. Yes, this means Pieter is currently the holder of two African records for backstroke.
“It was so close. I’m just happy with the personal best so I can’t complain, and I knew it was going to be a tough race, so I’m just grateful to God for the opportunity to even be here,” Coetze said in his post-meet interview.
He continued to say, “For me to be able to swim a personal best with all this outside noise that we have here, it’s a good sign for me for the future, and I’m just very happy and content with that.”
The young swimmer took to his Instagram to pen a heartfelt message to his supporters. He expressed that although he would have loved to bring back a medal, he is proud of his journey and accomplishments in the tournament.
“My 2024 Paris Olympic campaign is done. Even though I wanted to bring home a medal for ?? this experience was special, and I have learnt so much. Thank you to everyone back home for all the love and support. Ecclesiastes 2:24; There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.”
View this post on Instagram
Also see: Tatjana Smith wins SA’s first gold at 2024 Paris Olympics
