Coetzé sets sights on medalling in Greece

When South Africa's sportsman of the year, Pieter Coetzé, dives in to swim the 100m-freestyle on Friday in Greece the one thing guaranteed is he will give 100 per cent.

It is who he is. The 18-year-old says his desire is to win every time he competes. If the Tuks swimmer does not do so, he at least wants the satisfaction of having set a new personal best time. Coetzé will be competing at the Acropolis Swim Open in Athens.

"I don't know who is competing, but my goal will remain unchanged. I want to be the best I can be. It means doing what I need to do."

Currently, Coetzé is the second fastest in the world in the 50m and 100m backstroke events and the third fastest in the 200m-backstroke. His winning times during the SA Champs in Gqeberha were 50 metres (24.36s), 100 metres (52.78s) and 200 metres (1:56.66).

Apart from the three breaststroke events (50, 100 and 200 metres), Coetzé will also compete in the 50 and 100 metres freestyle events and the 100m-butterfly.

"The reason I am swimming the other events is to gain experience," said Coetzé.

The Tuks swimmer will not compete in Japan at the World Championships in July.