2022 double Commonwealth Games champion Lara van Niekerk made a triumphant return to competition with a solid qualification time at the Bombela Concession Company SA Swimming Championships in Gqeberha on Friday, 17 April, 2026.
The standout performer swam a 50m breaststroke qualifying time of 30.52 seconds in the morning heats before going quicker in the evening to take the title in 30.50, making an emphatic return after missing last year’s National Championships due to a back injury.
Van Niekerk was especially pleased with her comeback performance after missing out on the qualifying time in the 100m breaststroke.
“After the 100, I was a bit upset and didn’t really enjoy that one as much as I would have wanted to, just having that expectation on me ever since I swam the 1:05 and then all the injuries and sickness that I just really struggled to get there again. But I just spoke to my coach and he just reminded me that the 50 has always been my thing and to go enjoy that one and do my best,” said Van Niekerk.
Caitlin de Lange also achieved a Commonwealth Games qualifying time for the 50m freestyle, securing the mark in the morning heats with 24.77 seconds and going slightly quicker in the evening to win the title in 24.74 seconds.
“I was super happy this morning with that time. It kind of took the pressure off. I wanted to go a little bit faster tonight but other than that, I’m happy,” de Lange said afterwards.
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Leigh McMorran took the women’s 200m butterfly title in 2 minutes 14.45 seconds, while Callan Lötter claimed the women’s 800m freestyle title in 8 minutes 41.13 seconds.
In the Para events, Kat Swanepoel wrapped up her championships with another national and continental record in the S5 50m backstroke. Having already bettered the mark in the morning heat, Swanepoel went even faster in the evening, finishing in 47.76 seconds.
“I was really chuffed. To take the African record in the heat this morning was awesome, and then to come back and do it in the evening and lower that time was even better. I think the best feeling is knowing there’s still so much to work on, and I’m so excited about what’s still to come,” said the former world champion.
Commonwealth Games Qualifiers Achieved at the Bombela Concession Company SA Swimming Championships (as at Fri 17 April 2026)
Aimee Canny: 200m freestyle, 100m breaststroke, 200m breaststroke, 200m individual medley
Kaylene Corbett: 200m breaststroke
Caitlin de Lange: 50m freestyle
Erin Gallagher: 100m butterfly
Rebecca Meder: 200m individual medley
Jessica Thompson: 50m backstroke
Lara van Niekerk: 50m breaststroke
Original Copy: Karien Jonckheere for Swimming SA, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: 2022 double Commonwealth Games champion Lara van Niekerk made a triumphant return to competition with a solid qualification time at the Bombela Concession Company SA Swimming Championships in Gqeberha on Friday, 17 April, 2026. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: Caitlin de Lange was happy to have achieved a Commonwealth Games qualifying time in the 50m freestyle with a quick title win in the final.
Photo 3 Caption: Kat Swanepoel set another national and continental record in the S5 50m backstroke, bettering her morning heats mark again the same evening.
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