Team South Africa continued its impressive campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, increasing its medal tally to 16 after another successful day of competition in the swimming pool.
The national team added five more medals on Tuesday (July 28) at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre, further strengthening South Africa’s position in the Games.
Among the standout performances was Danika Vyncke, who claimed silver in the Women’s 50m Freestyle S13 final. Her time of 28.41 seconds not only secured her first medal of the Glasgow Games but also set a new African record.
Defending Commonwealth champion Lara van Niekerk successfully retained her title by winning gold in the Women’s 50m Breaststroke in a time of 30.43 seconds.
Pieter Coetze also delivered a remarkable performance, breaking the Commonwealth Games record in the Men’s 100m Backstroke semi-final with a time of 52.20 seconds to qualify for the final as the fastest swimmer in the field.
Aimee Canny added to South Africa’s medal count by securing silver in the Women’s 200m Individual Medley, finishing in an impressive 2:09.37 to earn her second medal of the Games.
Veteran swimmer Chad le Clos continued to make history by winning silver as part of the mixed 4x100m relay team. The medal marked his 20th Commonwealth Games medal, drawing level with Australia’s most decorated Commonwealth Games athlete, Emma McKeon.
Meanwhile, Team South Africa’s netballers defeated Northern Ireland 78-30.
Gauteng MEC hails Team SA performance
Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, congratulated Team South Africa on its outstanding performances.
“We are encouraged by Team South Africa’s overall performance at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The number of medals received so far illustrates that we are a highly competitive nation with talented athletes in different sporting codes. We are hoping that the medals will increase each day as we continue to compete,” said Maile.
He added that the achievements of South African athletes reflect the success of grassroots sports development programmes aimed at producing elite competitors.
“We have made significant strides in international sporting competitions since our readmission after 1994. The programmes that are in place in our country serve as critical pathways for athletes to become world champions, and we need to invest more in nurturing talent,” he said.
Maile also wished the team continued success, saying Gauteng was proud to be associated with Team South Africa and encouraging the athletes to continue striving for more gold medals while displaying the fighting spirit for which the country is known.
