Tatjana Schoenmaker becomes the first South African woman in history to win a world title after scooping gold in the women’s 200m breaststroke event at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan on Friday, 28 July.
The 26-year-old Olympic champion added 200m breaststroke gold to her 100m silver that she won in a time of 1:05.84 on Tuesday, 25 July 2023.
Schoenmaker has been the fastest through the semi-finals of the event and made sure she finished out in front again in the final, reaching the wall in a time of 2:20.80.
Kate Douglass of America finished in second place with a time of 2:21.23 with Dutchwoman Tes Schouten claiming the bronze in a time of 2:21.63.
“I think it was unexpected – that’s why there’s so much emotion because coming into this meet, I wasn’t really ranked in the top three in any of my events. My times haven’t been as great since the Olympics,” said Schoenmaker in a statement released by Team South Africa.
She concluded: “I just wanted to pitch up and not be scared to take on the opportunity to race some of these girls. I just wanted to come and see where I am personally and I didn’t expect to walk away with any medal.”
Photo 1 Caption: Tatjana Schoenmaker becomes the first South African woman in history to win a world title after scooping gold in the women’s 200m breaststroke event at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan on Friday, 28 July. Photo: World Aquatics
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