Schoenmaker gave her all, happy with Commonwealth silver: 'We want our country to be on top'

South African swimmer Tatjana Schoenmaker was not disappointed after settling for silver in an entertaining 100m breaststroke final at the Commonwealth Games on Tuesday.

Heading into the race, all eyes were on countrywoman Lara van Niekerk as the 19-year-old produced a stunning finish to clinch gold for South Africa.

Swimming in lane 5, Schoenmaker turned second and tried to catch up with Van Niekerk but was nearly a body length behind the SA teen.

Van Niekerk was 1.21 seconds ahead of Schoenmaker, who touched the wall in 1:06.68 to grab silver and accompany her 200m breaststroke gold in Birmingham.

Schoenmaker had nothing but praise for her fellow breaststroker and became emotional during the South African national anthem alongside Van Niekerk.

"I'm very happy, I came here just to give my best today. It obviously wasn't my best time, but I couldn't give anything more," said Schoenmaker after her race.

"I just wanted to take in the experience at this Commonwealth Games, and I think I did. There's a sign that says: 'Sports is only the beginning' and that is, for me, the important part... cheering on the other South Africans like she (Lara) did. She just smashed it."

READ | Van Niekerk inspired by Schoenmaker, left speechless after Commonwealth gold

South Africa has won 11 medals at the Sandwell Aquatic Centre, with the final day in the pool on Wednesday.

Schoenmaker, who ends her 2022 Commonwealth Games with gold and silver, says she could only be proud and insists she's just happy to see the South African flag fly high.

"It's weird being this senior obviously, four years ago, I was a junior. But it's so nice to stand on a podium and seeing all the juniors taking home the medals," said Schoenmaker.

"It's just a privilege to stand