Singapore – August 1, 2025
South Africa’s Kaylene Corbett delivered one of the most rewarding swims of her career on Friday night, clinching a bronze medal in the women’s 200m breaststroke at the World Aquatics Championships — her first ever medal at a major global championship.
Corbett, 26, started the race conservatively, turning in fifth place at the 50 m mark. Gradually building momentum over the middle section of the race, she climbed to fourth by 150 m, before launching a determined final surge. Her efforts paid off as she touched in 2:23.52, tying for third place with Russia’s Alina Zmushka.
The gold medal was won emphatically by USA’s Kate Douglass, who set a championship record of 2:18.50, which now ranks as the second fastest time in history. Reigning world-record holder Evgeniia Chikunova of Russia took silver in 2:19.96.
“It’s been a really hectic year, and it just feels like it really came together when it should,” said a visibly emotional Corbett after her podium finish. “I’m just really, really stoked about it. I’m very, very happy.”
Corbett, also based in Pretoria, has long been a consistent finalist on the international stage — often alongside South African teammate and four-time Olympic medallist Tatjana Smith. Reflecting on that journey, she added:
“Even though the world record-holder was there [tonight], even though the Olympic champion was there, I’ve been fortunate enough to swim next to Tatjana, so I know that those titles don’t always mean everything all the time… I just wish she was on the podium with me.”
Her bronze is South Africa’s third swimming medal of the meet, joining Coetzé’s earlier gold and silver. Corbett now turns her attention to the 50 m breaststroke heats on Saturday, where she’ll hope to ride the momentum of this landmark result.
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For More South African Swimming News:
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