Germany – July 22, 2025
South African swimmer Pieter Coetze added two more medals to his name at the 2025 FISU World University Games on Monday night, winning gold in the Men’s 50m Backstroke and silver in the Men’s 100m Freestyle. These latest results bring his tally at the Games to three medals, following his earlier record breaking gold in the Men’s 100m Backstroke on Saturday.
The 21-year-old Olympian and Pretoria University student has delivered consistent performances in the pool, contributing three of South Africa’s six swimming medals so far at this year’s Games — the world’s second-largest multi-sport event after the Olympics, taking place in Germany from 16–27 July and featuring 18 sporting codes. South Africa is participating in eight of these.
In the Men’s 100m Freestyle, Coetze faced a challenging route to the final. After qualifying fourth in his heat (Heat 9) with a time of 49.02, he improved to win his semifinal in 48.30. In the final, he was part of a closely contested race, finishing second in 48.12 behind American Matthew King, who took gold in 48.01. Aleksandr Shchegolev, competing as an independent athlete, claimed bronze in 48.34.
Coetze followed that with a strong performance in the Men’s 50m Backstroke — his preferred event. He won his heat comfortably in 24.69 and led the semifinal in 24.50. He maintained that form in the final, securing gold in 24.49 ahead of Korea’s Jihwan Yoon (silver) and the United States’ Daniel Diehl (bronze).
With three medals from three events, Coetze has again demonstrated he is a future swimming super star for South Africa. His performances at both Olympic and university level reinforce his position as one of South Africa’s leading swimmers, with attention likely to turn toward his preparations for future senior global events.
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For More South African World University Games:
Bronze for South Africa in 4x100m Mixed Medley Relay at World University Games
Pieter Coetze Claims SA’s First Medal at 2025 World University Games with Record-Breaking Gold
