While they put up a fight, the SA team narrowly missed out on the podium on day two of the World Short-Course Swimming Championships in Melbourne on Wednesday.
After Matthew Sates got the country on the board by winning gold in the 200m individual medley the day before, the national squad would have been hoping to add to their medal haul at the six-day global showpiece.
READ MORE: Matt Sates storms to gold for SA at World Short-Course Champs
Pieter Coetze was just off the pace, however, with the teenager settling for fourth position in the men’s 100m backstroke final.
He touched the wall in 49.60 seconds, breaking his own African record by 0.25, but Coetze finished 0.08 outside a place on the podium in a race won by American swimmer Ryan Murphy in 48.50.
No luck for Le Clos
Former world champion Chad le Clos was also in the hunt, but he ended fifth in the 50m butterfly final.
Le Clos completed the race in 22.11 seconds, with Brazilian opponent Nicholas Santos securing gold in 21.78.
Meanwhile, SA sensation Lara van Niekerk kept her medal hopes alive in the women’s 100m breaststroke event.
ALSO READ: All you need to know about Lara van Niekerk
Van Niekerk was fifth fastest in the semifinals in 1:04.36, booking her place in the final to be held at 11.37am on Thursday.
“It was quite cold, but I just tried to stay as warm as possible,” said Van Niekerk, who returned to action after recovering from foot surgery.
“I think this morning my stroke was a bit more relaxed, but I think I rushed a bit tonight (in the semifinal) so tomorrow I’ll just try and have that long, relaxed stroke again.”
