SA's Gallagher on 'unreal' silver medal in Birmingham: 'I know I've never given so much'

South Africa's Erin Gallagher dazzled by capturing joint silver in the women's 50m butterfly final at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham on Monday.

Swimming in lane five, Gallagher stormed through to record a personal best as she touched the wall second in 26.05 - the exact time as Australian Holly Barratt. Veteran Emma McKeon of Australia won gold in 25.90.

It was Gallagher's first international medal as she shared the silver position with Barratt.

"It's unreal, but I can't take any of the credit, it was all Jesus. I said to Him before the race, if it's my time, it'll be my time in whatever outcome it'll be," said Gallagher after her silver medal win.

"Jesus took the wheel and I'm so grateful to be here."

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?? Erin, Erin, she's the one??Another medal ceremony for #TeamSA#B2022 pic.twitter.com/Oq1lIerF1y

Gallagher says she took some inspiration from fellow SA teammate Kaylene Corbett, who surged to bronze in the women's 200m breaststroke final on Sunday.

"I can't remember much, to be honest, but I know I've never given and hurt so much in a 50m," said Gallagher.

"Watching Kaylene swim last night, I was in awe as she turned fifth with 50m to go and she almost came second. It was inspiring to watch, so if she could do that, I could do that after 25m."

So far, South Africa has medalled eight times at the Sandwell Aquatics Centre in Birmingham, including three gold, three silver and two bronze medals.

Gallagher admits being part of a talented and strong swimming team has made her so proud as her Commonwealth run ends.

"It's just inspiring to be part of this team, and that's what got me through the race," she said.

"I'm so honoured to be South African, it's a beautiful country... ee have our own issues,