Standout performances from Aimee Canny headlined the opening day of the Bombela Concession Company SA Swimming Championships, with the swimmer securing Commonwealth Games qualifying times in two events, at the Newton Park Swimming Pool in Gqeberha on Tuesday, 14 April 2026.
Canny achieved qualifying times in two events — the 200m freestyle and the 100m breaststroke. She first claimed a dominant victory in the 200m freestyle, speeding to victory in a time of 1:56.64 to not only secure a place on the team but also better her own national and continental record, set at the SA Championships in the same pool back in 2024.
The 22-year-old was back in the pool around half an hour later for the final of the 100m breaststroke, where she saw off challenges from Simone Moll, Kaylene Corbett, and defending champion Rebecca Meder to win in another qualifying time of 1:06.57.
“I think I’m happy that the freestyle was first because breaststroke was kind of more of a wildcard, you could say, just because I do a lot of freestyle training, but I’m super happy with that!”
SA 200m Freestyle and 100m Breaststroke 2026 Champion, Aimee Canny
“I’ve kind of always been training breaststroke, but this year I’ve changed training groups and done a lot more distance, and a lot more 200 breast. So I was really excited for this coming in.”
As for achieving the qualifying time in the breaststroke, the University of Virginia student added: “I don’t know if I was expecting that. I knew I could get close to that, just wasn’t sure how close I would have got after that 200 freestyle.”
The women’s 100m backstroke title was won by Olivia Nel, who just missed the Commonwealth Games qualifying time by 0.37 seconds after winning in 1:00.83.
“I’ve had a very long season. There’s always the expectation of wanting the qualifying time,” said the North Carolina-based swimmer, who still has the 50m backstroke and the 50 and 100m freestyle to come this week.
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“I gave my best in that race, and I executed it much better than this morning. As a technical swim, it was way better. So I’ll take the wins where I can take the wins,” said Nel.
Swimming action at the Bombela Concession Company SA Swimming Championships continues at the Newton Park Swimming Pool in Gqeberha on Wednesday.
Original Copy: Karien Jonckheere for Swimming SA, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: Aimee Canny claimed victories in the 200m freestyle and 100m breaststroke, setting a new national and continental record in the process at the Bombela Concession Company SA Swimming Championships at the Newton Park Swimming Pool in Gqeberha on Tuesday, 14 April 2026. Photo: Supplied
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