Pieter Coetze shines at “GlasGold” Commonwealth Games

The 22-year-old has now completed a clean sweep of the backstroke events at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, His gold in the 100m adds to the titles he won in the 50m and 200m earlier in the competition. In the 100m final, Coetze touched the wall in 51.77 seconds.

England’s Oliver Morgan claimed silver in 52.66, while fellow South African Ruard van Renen took bronze in 53.31. 

Speaking to the Media after the race, Coetze said that after a few races, coupled with his current form, he knew he could pull it off…

"It's an amazing feeling because I didn't really know the kind of form everyone else has been in leading up to the meet, but after one or two races I knew something special was going to be possible, so to pull it off at the end is awesome."

READ: Jenny van Dyk leads Team SA to impressive Commonwealth Games run

Although he enjoyed a comfortable lead over his competitors, Coetze said people should not read much into this - admitting that he is well aware that several of the world's top swimmers were absent from the Games due to other commitments, adding that perhaps it was simply his day. 

Coetze further contributed to Team South Africa’s medal tally later in the evening alongside Chad Le Clos, Michael Houlie and Ruard van Renen, he helped set new  

national and continental record in the men’s medley relay stopping the clock at 3:31.13 to claim a bronze medal. Chad Le Clos praised Coetze’s contribution…

"I want to give a huge thank you to my teammates because without them this week would not have never been possible. I don't like to individualise performances, but what Pieter did for us tonight was very impressive. He deserves everything that is coming his way."