Rhine-Ruhr, Germany – July 21, 2025
Team South Africa secured their fourth swimming medal of the 2025 FISU Rhine-Ruhr World University Games on Monday evening, storming to bronze in the Mixed 4×100 m Freestyle Relay Final.
In a thrilling showdown at Berlin’s Schwimm- und Sprunghalle im Europasportpark, the quartet of Ruard van Renen, Guy Brooks, Michaela De Villiers, and Olivia Nel touched the wall in 3:28.51, clinching third place—just behind the record-setting USA (3:24.27) and silver medallists Japan (3:26.86).
Leg-by-leg breakdown:
- Guy Brooks led off on the first leg, touching the wall in fifth place with a time of 49.55.
- Ruard van Renen followed, maintaining the momentum with a solid second leg of 49.20, keeping South Africa in fifth place and within striking distance.
- Olivia Nel turned up the pace during her leg, gaining two positions and moving the team into third with a strong split of 54.72.
- Michaela De Villiers anchored the final leg with determination, holding onto third place and securing the podium finish with a time of 55.04, sealing the bronze for Team South Africa.
With eight medals now collected in the pool, Team South Africa’s university swimmers have proven their depth and consistency. They currently rank 4th overall in swimming based on total number of medals—behind only the United States, Japan, and Italy—and 5th overall when ranked by number of gold medals.
This bronze marks the second medal of the Games for both Ruard van Renen and Guy Brooks, who were also part of the team that claimed bronze in the Mixed 4×100 m Medley Relay Final. For Olivia Nel, this is her fourth bronze medal of the Games, adding to her podium finishes in the Mixed 4×100 m Medley Relay Final, Women’s 50m Backstroke Final, and the Women’s 50m Freestyle Final.
Final Podium – Mixed 4×100 m Freestyle Relay
Rank | Nation | Time |
🥇 | USA | 3:24.27* |
🥈 | Japan | 3:26.86 |
🥉 | South Africa | 3:28.51 |
For More South African Sport News: Sport South Africa Home Page
For More South African World University Games News:
Gabriella Marais Earns 100m Bronze for South Africa at World University Games
Collette Uys Claims Bronze in Women’s Shot Put at World University Games
Bayanda Walaza Claims 100m Gold for South Africa at World University Games
