Dylan Bettencourt
South African swimmer Matt Sates confirmed he is one to look out for as he has won gold medals in every one of his events this month at the Mare Nostrum series in Europe.
The 18-year-old claimed gold medals in nine out of nine events.
“The Mare Nostrum tour is something my coach has always told me we would go to, and I’ve enjoyed it and learnt a lot,” Sates said post-race.
“Racing swimmers at this level has been amazing, although when you suddenly realise you are racing for big prize money, it does make you a bit nervous. But I’ve always been told to concentrate on the race and performance, so that’s worked for me.”
Sates has confirmed his status as the golden boy of South African swimming ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
And he was not the only South African that impressed at the tournament.
Lara van Niekerk took silver in the 50m breaststroke, missing out on the gold medal by a marginal 0.05 seconds.
Pieter Coetze won two gold medals on Saturday before winning the bronze medal in the 100m backstroke the next day.
The South Africans will be hoping to continue this rich vein of form at the World Championships set to be held in Budapest from 18 to 25 June.
“I think this is a perfect build-up to Budapest and I hope I can continue with some best times there as well,” Sates said.
The swimmers’ coach Wayne Riddin said the future is bright for South Africa in the swimming pool.
“I’m excited to be part of this young group of swimmers coming through with Matt but having Pieter and Lara with us this time to now learn what this competition is all about shows what the future holds for us,” Riddin said.
“With the Olympics just two years away, I hope sponsors come forward to support these youngsters to prepare to win medals in Paris.”
Image source: @InsideTheGames
