The South African star touched the wall in a blistering 24.18 seconds, just one-hundredth of a second outside the African record of 24.17 he set at last year’s World Championships in Singapore. His winning effort did, however, establish a new Commonwealth Games record.

Coetze looked in complete control throughout the competition, lowering his time in every round. He clocked 24.45 in the heats, improved to 24.29 in the semi-finals and then produced his fastest swim of the meet in the final to claim another gold medal for Team South Africa.

????? A champion's reaction.#TeamSA #ForMyCountry pic.twitter.com/hEprFGdEXM

— Team South Africa (@OfficialTeamRSA) July 25, 2026

The evening became even more memorable for the South Africans when Ruard van Renen claimed bronze in 24.51, completing a superb double podium finish behind England’s Oliver Morgan, who took silver in 24.48.

The University of Pretoria swimmer admitted the gold medal carried extra significance after a difficult build-up to the Games.

“This is amazing. I had some challenges in my training in the build-up to the Games. At times, it has been tough. I did not know what would happen at the Games. It can be quite nerve-wracking. So this medal means a lot to me,” Coetze.

He added sharing the podium with Van Renen made the occasion even more special.

?? #ICYMI Pieter Coetzé reflects on his record-breaking swim at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.#TeamSA #ForMyCountry #Glasgow2026 pic.twitter.com/03TsDOla5I

— Team South Africa (@OfficialTeamRSA) July 25, 2026

“What made it more special was that I got to stand on the podium with Ruard. I never sang the national anthem with another teammate.”

Coetze also reflected on Friday night’s bronze medal in the 4x100m freestyle relay, revealing the team had dedicated that performance to South African swimming legend Chad le Clos.

“Winning a medal means a lot to us. We did it for Chad. We are so proud of him.”

Le Clos has now amassed an incredible 19 Commonwealth Games medals, the most by any athlete in the history of the competition.

?? Bronze on the Commonwealth Games stage!

Ruard van Renen shares his thoughts after a memorable medal-winning swim in Glasgow.#TeamSA #ForMyCountry #Glasgow2026 pic.twitter.com/BcT7FTOJIU

— Team South Africa (@OfficialTeamRSA) July 25, 2026

Van Renen described his second bronze medal of the Games as a dream come true, particularly because he shared the podium with his compatriot.

Meanwhile, Erin Gallagher ensured another successful evening for South Africa by winning silver in the women’s 50m butterfly.

Australia’s Alex Perkins claimed gold in 25.37, while Gallagher finished strongly in 25.57. New Zealand’s Hazel Ouwehand secured bronze in 25.76.

Gallagher was pleased with her performance, especially considering how close she came to setting a personal best.

Erin Gallagher took silver in the women's 50m butterfly. Photo: Anton Geyser

South Africa’s medal haul after two days of competition now stands at six medals – two gold, one silver and three bronze. South Africa will have three representatives in Sunday’s women’s 100m breaststroke final after an impressive showing in the semi-finals.

Veteran Chad le Clos will have another opportunity to add to his record-breaking Commonwealth Games medal collection after qualifying for the men’s 100m butterfly final.

The South African finished fourth in his semi-final in 52.35 seconds, advancing to Sunday’s final as the eighth-fastest qualifier.

With another final on the horizon, Le Clos remains in contention to extend his extraordinary Commonwealth Games legacy.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg