SA Swimming Champs delivered fireworks - Swim SA President

The Bombela Concession Company SA Swimming Championships came to a close over the weekend in Gqeberha ending five days of electric performances. 

The event also saw a total of 13 swimmers meet the qualifying standard for this year's Commonwealth Games set for Glasgow, Scotland from 23 July to 2 August, and Fritz says the lack of record were by no means a dampener.

“As expected, we had all the athletes there. It was really fireworks. Although I set very high standards for myself and I thought that first and foremost, we would most probably see a little more records tumble," said Fritz.

"But, you know, that’s the name of the game and some of our athletes have participated outside of the country so travelling would certainly affect them."

READ: Coetze happy with five National Championships titles in Gqeberha

Fritz says those who have not qualified for the multi-sport event will have another chance to book their tickets at the 2026 Africa Aquatics Swimming Championships which will be held in Oran, Algeria from 5-10 May. 

He has set a target of 20-plus athletes that will make up the swimming contingent for Team South Africa at the ‘Friendly Games’.  

“You know, it is a very big year, after our nationals we’re going to the senior and junior Africa Championships in Algeria, after it was moved from Ghana for various reasons, in two weeks time.

“So there is another opportunity for athletes to showcase or stake a claim for the team that will be going to the Commonwealth [Games]. 

"We envision that the Commonwealth team from our side will be about 20-plus athletes including relays," he concluded.