On Sunday, the Paralympic silver medallist finished second in her heat of the T11 1500m in France along with the assistance of her guide and soon-to-be brother-in-law, Estean Badenhorst.

Coetzee ran a time of 4:54.90 to finish just 0.04 seconds slower than Mary Njoroge of Kenya.

Their respective times are more than 20 seconds faster than any other athlete that competed in both heats.

Coetzee boasts a personal best time of 4:40.96, which is close to 2 seconds faster than Njoroge, while the Free Stater also has a faster season’s best.

While there is a first-ever World Championship title up for grabs this morning, Coetzee told OFM Sport that the aim is to qualify for next year’s Paralympics in Paris.

“The main aim for the race is to create a slot for next year, to be able to go to the Paralympic Games and to send a female representative,” said Coetzee.

“We're very excited and I think that the heat went very well. I have been battling a bit with an injury, we are looking forward to the final.

“We are feeling strong and ready.”

Monday's T11 1500m final for women will be run at 11:25.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport