By qualifying for the 200m-breaststroke final at the Paris Olympic Games, Tatjana Smith and Kaylene Corbett have improved on one of the most unique records in South African sports. Tonight will be the sixth time the Tuks female swimmers will compete in the same event in a final at a major international event.
They first did so during the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, then at the 2019 World Student Games, the 2019 World Championships, the Tokyo Olympic Games and in 2022 at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games. Smith was medaled on each occasion – winning four gold medals and a silver. Corbett won bronze in Birmingham.
Surprisingly, Smith was beaten last night in the semifinals by the USA’s Kate Douglas. The American had her work cut out to beat her though and Smith dueled it out until the very last meter. Douglas pipped Smith by 0.20s. The winning time was 2:19.74. Smith swam 2:19.94. It is, respectively, the third and fourth fastest time this season.
It is the first time since the Tokyo Games that Smith has been defeated in the 200m-breaststroke. It might prove to be a blessing in disguise. It is now guaranteed that Smith will come out “guns blazing” tonight in the final.
“I knew it was going to be a good race. Kate and I really challenged each other. This competitiveness is what I love about swimming. I raced my own race, and at the end of the day, I had to get out of the pool without any regrets.” Smith praised Corbett for the role she has played in her career.
“Kayle has played a massive role in what I have achieved. She is not only a friend but a fantastic training partner. We have pushed each other to be the best we can be. So tomorrow, swimming in the final for the last time with Kaylene will be special,” said Smith, hinting that this might be her last Olympics.
Corbett finished second in her semifinal swimming 2.22.87. It is the season’s best time. Meanwhile, Pieter Coetzé is through to the men’s 200m backstroke final, with the third fastest time in the semifinal of 1:56.09. Coetzé swam in the second semifinal and he was beaten by a mere 0.04 seconds by Roman Mityukov of Switzerland. Apostolos Christou of Greece was 0.28 seconds slower to finish third in 1:56.33.
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