Swimming boss backs Team SA to shine at Commonwealth Games

Fritz believes the swimmers are well positioned to shine in Glasgow, even as expectations continue to mount on the code at major multi-sport events. While he has already set an ambitious target of six medals for swimming at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, he is convinced the national team will more than hold its own at the Commonwealth Games.

SASCOC has indicated to SABC Sport that it plans to send a relatively small squad to Glasgow, with the bulk of the team drawn from swimming and athletics.

“It’s unfortunate that everyone relies on swimming to step up at the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games, and next year will be another big test for us,” said Fritz. “The spotlight will once again be on the swimmers, even though our budget has been cut and we are still expected to perform. Athletics and swimming are carrying South Africa.

“At the moment, confidence is high in the sport, and the athletes are on top of their game. We expect the team to do well.”

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Swimming South Africa will host its national championships in Gqeberha in April, an event that will play a crucial role in finalising the squad. The federation will submit the names of the selected athletes to SASCOC following the championships.

Earlier this year, Fritz addressed a media briefing outlining SSA’s preparations for the Commonwealth Games. Although he expressed disappointment over a R2 million budget cut from Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie’s office, he maintained that the swimmers are determined to compete above their weight, starting in Glasgow.

“We have a lot of capable, young and talented swimmers who have the potential to step up,” he said. “The national championships are very important for us as we look ahead to 2026. That’s where we will assess the athletes and see what they can offer at the Games.

“The Commonwealth Games remain very relevant for us, and we take them seriously.”

Fritz singled out Pieter Coetze and Kaylene Corbett as among the leading swimmers expected to make a strong impact in the pool. He believes Coetze, in particular, has the potential to shine both at the Commonwealth Games and at the Olympic Games.

According to Fritz, performances in Glasgow and at the national championships will also serve as a key measure of the federation’s overall preparations as South Africa builds towards future Olympic campaigns.