South Africa earned their first medal at the World Aquatics Championships after star swimmer Pieter Coetzé claimed gold in the 100m backstroke on Tuesday.

South African swimming sensation Pieter Coetzé won the gold medal in the 100m backstroke final at the World Aquatic Championships in Singapore on Tuesday.

Coetzé is the first South African medallist at this year's championships. The 21-year-old raced home in 51.85 seconds, an African record in the event.

Despite dominating local pools and smaller competitions, it was Coetzé's first world senior title. At the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris last year, he finished fifth in the same event, with a time of 52.58. The winner was Italy's Thomas Ceccon, who completed the two-lap event in 52 seconds flat.

On this occasion, it was Coetzé who touched the wall quickest, ahead of Ceccon, who finished second in 51.90 seconds. Yohann Ndoye-Brouard of France took the bronze medal in 51.92 seconds.

Coetzé was a mere 0.25 seconds off Ceccon's world record.

"I always thought it would happen eventually," said Coetzé, referring to his first senior world title. "In my mind, it was just a matter of time, but to do it this year is amazing.

"It was awesome....