The teenager, Pieter Coetzé, won South Africa's first medal at the FINA World Aquatics Championship in Doha on Friday night.

Coetzé finished third in the 200m backstroke for men to claim the bronze medal.

The 19-year-old has a blistering quick finish 50m to shoot up the field from eighth to third round off the podium.

Spain’s Hugo Gonzalez took the gold in 1:55.30 and Switzerland’s Roman Mityukov claimed the silver in 1:55.40.

Swimming in lane eight, Coetzé, touched the wall in a time of 1:55.99, which is also a personal best for the young South African.

Speaking of this race, Coetzé, said he was disappointed with his first 100m, but then decided to back himself.

“I was a bit disappointed with the 100 and I decided to just trust my body and let it happen and it’s pretty unexpected so I’m very happy.”

In the women's 50m butterfly, Erin Gallagher, reached the final by taking third in the semi-final in a time of 25.86.

South Africa's most decorated Olympian, Chad le Clos, in turn cruised into the final of the 100m butterfly by winning his semi-final in 51.70 seconds. Matthew Sates' time of 51.99 seconds was only good enough for sixth and he misses out on the final.

Pieter Coetzé!!!?????? #TeamSA???? #Swimming #Doha2024 #WorldAquaticsChamps pic.twitter.com/boRg0Ynsin

— Swimming South Africa (@SwimSouthAfrica) February 16, 2024

Saturday, 17 February

08:50 - Women's 50m freestyle heats - Emma Chelius, Erin Gallagher

09:03 - Men's 50m backstroke heats - Pieter Coetzé

09:12 - Women's 50m breaststroke heats - Lara van Niekerk

09:31 - Mixed 4x100m freestyle relay heats - South Africa

18:02 - Women's 50m butterfly final - Erin Gallagher