Tatjana Schoenmaker made history in becoming the first South African woman to reach the podium at a long course Swimming World Championship in Gwanju, South Korea, on Friday.
The Tuks University swimmer from Pretoria claimed silver in the 200m breaststroke behind Russian Yuliya Efimova. She was second at the first turn but then dropped down before powering back into contention on the final 50m to finish in 2:22.52 with Efimova claiming the gold in 2:20.17.
“I could feel I was much more tired than Thursday when I was more relaxed. I didn’t do my best time now but luckily I still got the silver so I’m super happy,” said Schoenmaker after the race.
SA’s other swimmer in the final, 20 year-old Kaylene Corbett, finished in eighth place in 2:26.62. The product of Pearson High School in Port Elizabeth is also studying and swimming with Schoenmaker at Tukkies this year.
Meanwhile, Chad le Clos cruised through his semi-final of the 100m butterfly, finishing second to 200m champion Kristof Milak of Hungary. His time of 51.40 was fourth fastest overall heading into Saturday’s final.
