South African teen star Pieter Coetze says he was grateful after clinching his first major title by winning the men's 100m backstroke final at the Commonwealth Games on Saturday.
After Lara van Niekerk's heroics in the 50m breaststroke, 18-year-old Coetze powered to win South Africa's second gold of the Birmingham Games.
Follow the Commonwealth Games LIVE
Swimming in lane four, Coetze was sublime at the Sandwell Aquatics Centre as he outgunned the field to touch the wall first in 53.78.
Behind Coetze was home favourite Broadie Williams of England, who took silver in 53.91 and Australian Bradley Woodward (54.06) rounded the podium.
"I looked up at the board and saw the 'one' next to my name, it was goosebumps all over," said Coetze.
"I looked up at the crowd and saw my parents there, so I'm really happy and grateful for the gold."
Moment for the history books: Pieter Coetze receiving his gold medal following his 100m Backstroke win in the swimming event at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. We're proud of you, Pieter ????????????????????????????????????. #B2022 #TeamSA #B2022Swimming @swimsa_official pic.twitter.com/67htV5I6OO
Tokyo Olympian Coetze, who withdrew from the FINA World Championships earlier this month due to Covid-19, added that he was spurred on by the Birmingham crowd.
"It was amazing, I've never experienced that before and it's quite a big crowd, I'd say. It kind of gets you amped up, there's a lot of South African supporters also."
Coetze still has a long way to go at this year's Games, still participating in seven more events - the 50m, 200m backstroke, 100m freestyle, men's 4x100m freestyle, men's 4x100 medley relay and mixed 4x100 freestyle and mixed 4x100m medley relay.
"It's a great start, it's looking good for my
Read more on news24.com
news24.com
