Swimming star Pieter Coetze reflects on fine margins, second medal in Birmingham: 'It was so close'

Pieter Coetze continued to make a splash in the pool when he bagged his second medal of the Commonwealth Games in the 50m backstroke final on Monday.

The 18-year-old claimed silver in a time of 24.77, with New Zealand's Andrew Jeffcoat (24.65) claiming gold. Javier Acevedo (24.97) completed the podium places.

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Earlier in the tournament, Coetze became the second South African to claim gold for Team SA in Birmingham when he bagged first prize in the 100m backstroke final.

Reflecting immediately after his pool charge, Coetze said the brief disappointment of not claiming gold would not overshadow the elation he felt.

"In the moment I was a bit disappointed, just because it was so close, and obviously it's nice to win.

"I'm feeling very happy and grateful and I've been getting a lot of support."

Coetze is in action in the 200m backstroke heats on Tuesday (11:34). 

The grade 11 pupil was part of a contingent of South Africans who won a total of six medals on Monday, pushing the tally to 12 in total.