GLASGOW — Following a historic opening night at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Team South Africa maintained their blistering pace on Day 2 of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The national squad added three more medals to their tally, one gold, one silver, and one bronze, bringing their two-day pool total to six.
The evening was punctuated by another masterclass from Pieter Coetze, who cemented his status as the premier backstroker of the Games.
Coetze’s Backstroke Masterclass
After dismantling the Commonwealth Games Record twice on Day 1, Pieter Coetze returned to the pool with one goal: gold. He delivered in emphatic fashion in the Men’s 50m Backstroke Final, stopping the clock at a stunning 24.18. The time not only secured the gold medal but lowered the Games Record for the third consecutive time in Glasgow.
Coetze was joined on the podium by compatriot Ruard van Renen, who powered his way to a bronze medal finish with a personal best of 24.51, ensuring two South African flags were raised during the medal ceremony. England’s Oliver Morgan claimed the silver (24.48).
Gallagher Grabs Silver in the Butterfly
In the Women’s 50m Butterfly Final, Erin Gallagher produced a phenomenal sprint to secure the silver medal. Gallagher touched the wall in 25.57, agonizingly close to the top spot, finishing just 0.20 seconds behind Australia’s Alex Perkins (25.37).
Team SA showcased their incredible depth in the sprint butterfly event, with two other South Africans featuring in the same final. Jessica Thompson finished just off the podium in 4th with a time of 25.92, and Caitlin de Lange took 6th in 26.33.
Breaststroke Dominance and Final Berths
Beyond the medals, Team SA athletes successfully navigated the evening semi-finals to book multiple lanes for the upcoming finals.
The South African women asserted their dominance in the 100m Breaststroke semi-finals, with three athletes qualifying for the final. Aimee Canny led the charge by winning her semi-final in 1:06.04. She will be joined in the final by Kaylene Corbett (1:07.31) and Rebecca Meder (1:07.53).
In the men’s sprint events, Calvyn Justus secured his spot in the 50m Freestyle Final with a rapid 21.86, qualifying second in his heat. Meanwhile, Olivia Nel booked her ticket to the 100m Backstroke Final after placing third in her semi-final (1:00.48).
Veteran Chad le Clos, fresh off becoming the most decorated Commonwealth Games athlete in history on Day 1, kept his momentum going by qualifying for the Men’s 100m Butterfly Final with a time of 52.35.
With six medals already secured in just 48 hours, Team South Africa’s momentum in the pool shows no signs of slowing down.
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