Rocco Meiring warns Pieter Coetze about the pressures of stardom

By Charles Baloyi
14th August 2025

South African swimming coach Rocco Meiring has warned his star swimmer, Pieter Coetze, about the pressure of being labelled a superstar.

The 21-year-old shone at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, winning gold in the 100m backstroke and silver in both the 200m and 50m backstroke, reaching the finals in all three events.

Meiring, who has coached Coetze since 2020, has seen the highs and challenges elite athletes face and knows the scrutiny that comes with such success.

Speaking to SABC Sport, he acknowledged that the global swimming community is now well aware of Coetze’s exceptional ability.

"He is now a known entity, but the last thing he needs is to be branded a superstar because today you are a hero and tomorrow you are zero, that is how fickle and competitive this sport is at the highest level," stated Meiring.

READ: Tatjana Smith: SA Sports Awards nomination doesn't get old

The University of Pretoria-based coach believes the world is studying Coetze to find any weaknesses, with many knowing almost everything about him, just like they did with Tatjana Smith.

Meiring advises the young swimmer to stay humble, keep his focus, and continue working hard to stay ahead of his international rivals.

"They have over-analysed Pieter in all of the events, they can tell you his start times, his turn time, his 5m times, they can tell you all kinds of technical details while they search for weaknesses.

"You are mistaken if you now think that you are a superstar because the hard work is only just beginning."

The former National Coach of the Year says his message to Coetze will be the same as what he told SABC Sport — to move on from his World Championship success in Singapore and start preparing for the challenges ahead.

The experienced coach also told the national broadcaster that Coetze will take only a one-week break before his next competition in October, with a longer rest period planned for December.