In the world of professional sports, it’s always good to be at your best at the right time. And with the Olympic Games in Paris around the corner, Tatjana Smith is undoubtedly building medal momentum.
South Africa’s golden swimmer won the 200 m breaststroke finals at the national swimming championships in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) with a spectacular time of 2:19.01 min. won.
This is her best performance in this event since she stormed to an Olympic gold medal in Tokyo three years ago with her time of 2:18.95 min.
Her Gqeberha podium place means that she swam the top time in her preferred event this year. She is currently faster than the USA’s Kate Douglass (2:19.30 min.) and the Dutch Tes Schouten (2:19.81 min.).
Things are currently looking good for Paris.
“I used to struggle with my rhythm in the pool and I am now very grateful for this time. I feel like myself again in the water,” Smith said.
She also turned on the speed taps in the qualifying round with a winning time of 2:19.92 min.
“I was surprised with the time. I felt good and suspect that I may have swum a 2:21 or, if I’m lucky, a 2:20. When I saw the time, it was simply unreal. I am very grateful – it gives one’s self-confidence a definite boost.”
Kaylene Corbett was second with her Olympic qualifying time of 2:23.71 min.
Then Pieter Coetzé collected another medal when he won the 200 m backstroke event. The young Pretorian also achieved the feat with a personal best time of 1:55.85 min. celebrated.
Smith, Corbett and Coetzé light up third night of SA Swimming Championships: https://t.co/8vbWSo0xdh
Photo Credits: South African Sports Images#PressRelease pic.twitter.com/qyOX1437Ny
— Swimming South Africa (@SwimSouthAfrica) April 10, 2024
