South Africa’s rising backstroke star reflects on his golden moment, career-defining decisions, and the vision driving him toward the next Olympic Games.
Newly crowned World Champion Pieter Coetzé touched down at OR Tambo International Airport following a history-making run at the World Aquatics Championships, where he became just the second South African ever to win three medals at a single edition of the competition — joining the legendary Roland Schoeman.
Flanked by his proud parents who witnessed the golden moment firsthand, Coetzé took time to reflect on the whirlwind few weeks that saw him travel from Germany to Singapore, achieving what many only dream of.
“It was just amazing,” Coetzé said. “To get a gold and finally be a world champion… it’s a relief.”
From Germany to Glory
His championship journey began in Germany at the World University Games, where he competed alongside close friends and daily training partners. With less pressure, it allowed him to enjoy the racing and stay relaxed ahead of Singapore.
“Being surrounded by my teammates in Germany made it all more fun. Then I had to reset quickly for Singapore. I tried not to overthink it. The work had been done,” he explained. Coetzé left Germany with two golds and a silver in his briefcase already.
What followed was a breakthrough performance — gold in the 100m backstroke, followed by two silver medals in the 50m and 200m backstroke events.
“To hear my name alongside Chad, Roland, Tatjana — that’s something I’ve dreamt about since I started swimming seriously. It’s quite literally a dream come true.”
The Rocco Factor
Much of Coetzé’s rise has been forged under the guidance of coach Rocco Meiring, whom he has worked with since 2020.
“I’ve been with Rocco for five years now. He’s definitely one of the best coaches in the world. He tells you exactly what the job is, then trusts you to get it done.”
That trust, Coetzé says, is the foundation of his confidence: “You can’t swim well if you don’t believe in the work you’ve done or in your coach. I fully trust him and the process.”
Eyes on LA 2028
Despite his recent triumphs, the Pretoria-based swimmer is already focused on his long-term goal — becoming the favourite heading into the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“After Paris, I told Rocco I want to be the one everyone expects to win. That means staying consistent and improving because that final in Singapore wasn’t easy — there are 8 to 10 guys who are right there with me.”
Staying Grounded, Staying Home
While many elite swimmers take the US college route, Coetzé turned down full scholarships to remain in South Africa — a decision he doesn’t regret.
“I’m very happy I made that call. Sure, America has amazing facilities, but at the end of the day, all you need is a pool, water, and a good coach — and I have that here.”
He’s not alone in this thinking. “Look at David Popovici — he’s in Romania with just a few Olympic-sized pools. You can make it work from anywhere.”
From Reluctant Swimmer to World Champion
It’s hard to believe that Coetzé never initially planned to become a swimmer. Like many South African boys, rugby and cricket came first.
“I got made fun of for swimming at school. It wasn’t the cool thing to do. But I was good at it from the start, and that kept me going.”
The turning point came at age 15, when he qualified for the World Junior Championships and committed fully to the sport.
“Since then, I’ve been working every day for this — which makes the result even sweeter.”
A Champion’s Mindset
When asked about his mental approach, Coetzé shows surprising maturity for someone so young.
“For as long as possible, I just focus on training. When it’s time to race, I try to get out of my own way. Overthinking can be dangerous.”
He admits to holding back in early heats in Singapore to conserve energy and timing his best performances for when it matters most.
“It’s probably one of the best feelings in the world — that moment after the race when you see the ‘1’ next to your name.”
Fellow swimmer Chad le Clos was poolside after his victory and reminded him:
“Remember this feeling.”
A Nation Behind Him
As his achievements made headlines back home, the outpouring of support from South Africans was something Coetzé felt deeply.
“We could already feel the love and support online, in the messages, from everywhere. Even if we didn’t reply — we saw it. It drives us. So thank you.”
With Olympic goals, potential world records in reach (he’s just 0.25 seconds off the 100m backstroke mark), and a grounded mindset rooted in hard work and humility, Pieter Coetzé’s story is only getting started.
For More South African Sports News: Sport South Africa Home Page
For More South African Aquatics News:
Day 1 Recap – South African Swimmers Dive into World University Games Campaign
Confident Coetzé leads the charge for SA’s world champs swimming squad in Singapore
Coetzé makes it three from three with another silver in Singapore
Pieter Coetzé Wins Gold and Secures First Medal for South Africa at World Aquatics Championships
