Canny, Coetzé, and Van Renen Secure Commonwealth Games qualification in Gqeberha

Standout performances from Aimee Canny, Pieter Coetzé, and Ruard van Renen lit up the Bombela Concession Company SA Swimming Championships in Gqeberha on Tuesday, with all three securing Commonwealth Games qualifying times.

Canny achieved qualifying times in two events: the 200m freestyle and the 100m breaststroke. She first claimed a dominant victory in the 200m freestyle, speeding to the finish in 1:56.64. This time, not only secured a place on the team but also bettered her own national and continental record, which she set at the SA Championships in the same pool back in 2024.

“I think I’m happy that [the freestyle] was first because breaststroke was kind of more of a wildcard, you could say, just because I do a lot of freestyle training. But I’m super happy with that,” said Canny.

The 22-year-old returned to the pool roughly 30 minutes later for the final of the 100m breaststroke.

She fended off challenges from Simone Moll, Kaylene Corbett, and defending champion Rebecca Meder to win with another qualifying time of 1:06.57.

“I’ve kind of always been training breaststroke, but this year I’ve changed training groups and done a lot more distance and a lot more 200 breast… So I was really excited for this coming in,” Canny noted.

Regarding her breaststroke qualification, the University of Virginia student added, “I don’t know if I was expecting that. I knew I could get close to that; I just wasn't sure how close I would have got after that 200 freestyle.”

Meanwhile, world champion Pieter Coetzé confirmed his Commonwealth qualifying time during the morning heats, clocking 53.13 seconds in the 100m backstroke. He improved his pace in the evening final, spurred on by a strong challenge from Ruard van Renen.

Coetzé claimed the title in 52.40 seconds, while Van Renen finished second in 53.61 seconds, also dipping under the required qualifying standard.

“I just wanted to see what I can do, get on the team first, and then just see what happens. I think that’s by far the fastest I’ve been at Nationals or at this time of the year, so it’s a very good sign,” said the 21-year-old Coetzé. He credited Van Renen for pushing him to the faster time.

“I wasn’t sure what kind of form he was in, so I didn’t know what was going to happen. After the turn, I just saw him pop up next to me, and I was like, ‘Okay, he’s looking good. I’m going to have to push.’ I’m super glad he got it; it’s been a long time coming for him.”

The women’s 100m backstroke title went to Olivia Nel, who narrowly missed the Commonwealth Games qualifying time by 0.37 of a second, winning in 1:00.83.

“I've had a very long season. There’s always the expectation of wanting [the qualifying time]. I gave my best in that race, and I executed it much better than this morning. As a technical swim, it was way better. So I'll take the wins where I can take the wins,” said the North Carolina-based swimmer. Nel is still slated to compete in the 50m backstroke and the 50m and 100m freestyle later this week.