Dune Coetzee claimed a silver medal and the first for the aquatics team at this year’s Youth Olympic Games, in the women’s 200m butterfly in Buenos Aires. The teenager was also a member of the Commonwealth Games squad earlier this year and took Team SA’s medal tally to two.

The 16-year-old, won her heat in 2min and 12.42 sec and improved her time in the final to 2:11.71, which earned her the silver medal, behind Hungary’s Berecz Blanka who took gold in 2:10.37.

Commenting on her performance Coetzee said, ‘It was amazing, I really didn’t think much when I was swimming. I was happy to touch and see my name second on the results board.

‘It was one of my dreams and goals to win a medal though I wasn’t really expecting that I would, but I’m really happy that I have achieved a silver medal. I have five more races to go and I hope for the best,’ added Coetzee.

Coetzee added that the overall environment both at the competition venue and the athletics village is very good and conducive for good competition.

Team SA aquatics coach and team manager, Chanelle van Wyk, also expressed her delight with Coetzee’s display.

‘Dune had a brilliant performance, coming in with a time of about 2:14 then ending at 2:11 is excellent. She was fighting from the beginning till the end, flying flag high as always, so we are very proud of her.

‘Moving to her upcoming competitions, we will take it one race at a time and we all have to focus on what’s ahead,’ Van Wyk concluded.

Meanwhile, Michael Houlie placed fifth in the men’s 100m breaststroke final whilst the women’s relay team placed sixth in the women’s 4x100m medley relay.

See how Team SA fared on day two

Photo: OIS Photos