Coetzee sets back-to-back personal best efforts

North Shore swimmer Wilrich Coetzee showed his strength with personal bests in back-to-back races on day two of the FINA World Junior Championships in Singapore.

The 18 year old, coached by Thomas Ansorg, set a personal best 2:04:04 to be 15^th fastest in heats of the 200m individual medley.

He returned to the pool just one event later for the 100m butterfly, where he managed another personal best of 55:05.

Coetzee was pleased with his efforts today especially looking ahead to his specialist 200m butterfly later in the meet.

“I was stoked to get out there and get two PBs this morning after such a short rest,” Coetzee said. “I felt really good with the 100 butterfly this morning and quite relaxed and easy so hopefully that can set myself for a good swim tonight and on towards my main event of the 200m fly later this week.”

Gabrielle Fa’amausili (United club) had a reasonable swim in the 100m freestyle heats with her 58.31s effort only 0.3s outside her best although missing out on the semifinals.

Her attention is set on tonight’s final in the 100m backstroke.

“I want to focus on getting myself feeling fresh for my final tonight. I am capable of getting a medal in that race and I need to be on my game and focussing on myself and fired up and ready to go,” Fa’amausili said.

Sixteen year old North Shore swimmer Yeonsu Lee made her first appearance at a major international meet, clocking 2:17.66 in heats of the 200m butterfly, missing out on the semifinals.

“I was overwhelmed a bit with all the other girls. It is my first time against the top girls from all the other countries. Until now I’ve just raced against other New Zealanders,” Lee said.

“It was good experience and I have some things I’ve learned I can take in to my next race, mostly to stay relaxed and do my own race.”

The fifth World Junior Swimming Championships, staged at the OCBC Aquatic Centre, runs until Sunday.

CAPTION: Wilrich Coetzee in action. (The image is for editorial use only. Credit: BW Media)