SA swim star Lara van Niekerk is the only woman competitor in Team SA to have previously attained a podium finish in the previous meet, as Swimming SA confirms a youthful team to compete at the World Short Course Swimming Championships in Budapest this week. All Photos: World Aquatics

SA swim star Lara van Niekerk is the only woman competitor in Team SA to have previously attained a podium finish in the previous meet, as Swimming SA confirms a youthful team to compete at the World Short Course Swimming Championships in Budapest this week.

The 21-year-old Van Niekerk is still on the comeback trail after a back injury, and a repeat of her 50m breaststroke silver could be unrealistic.

“I have no expectations going into short course,” she explained. 

“I’m going with the mindset of just enjoying what I’m doing and just having fun with the team. We are a very nice team going together, and then let’s just see what I can do. Training has been going well, so I’m very excited to race for the last time in 2024.”

SA Swim Star, Lara van Niekerk

Also part of the team is two-time Olympian Rebecca Meder, who impressed in the one leg of the World Cup series where she competed, in Shanghai, picking up three bronze medals.

“I’ve been working hard after Paris leading into this. I’m excited for this next part of my journey, and to try and finish off 2024 with a bang. I’m going to give it my all and try my very best like I always do and we’ll see.

Team SA’s Breaststroke and IM talent, Rebecca Meder

“I surprised myself a little bit at the World Cup and that fire is always lit, so I’m super excited,” added Meder who will compete in the 100 and 200m breaststroke and the 100 and 200m individual medley.

An added incentive for the swimmers taking part is the total of US$2.16 million on offer in prize money which goes to the top eight finishers in each individual and relay event, with a $25,000 bonus up for grabs for breaking a world record.

Swimming action gets underway on Tuesday, 10 December and continues until Sunday, 15 December, 2024.

Women Participants in the South African Team

Cailtin de Lange (50, 100m freestyle)
Milla Drakopoulos (100m backstroke)
Stephanie Houtman (800, 1500m freestyle)
Rebecca Meder (100, 200m breaststroke, 100, 200m individual medley)
Jaime Mote (100m butterfly)
Hannah Pearse (200m backstroke)
Hannah Robertson
Jessica Thompson (50m butterfly, 50m backstroke)
Lara van Niekerk (50, 100m breaststroke)


Original Copy: Karien Jonckheere for Swimming SA, with editing by gsport

Main Photo Caption: SA swim star Lara van Niekerk is the only woman competitor in Team SA to have previously attained a podium finish in the previous meet, as Swimming SA confirms a youthful team to compete at the World Short Course Swimming Championships in Budapest this week. All Photos: World Aquatics

Photo 2 Caption: Rebecca Meder, who earned three bronze medals in the Shanghai leg of the World Cup, will participate in the 100 and 200m breaststroke, and the 100 and 200m IM.

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