Day 3 Finals at the World University Games: Pieter Coetze Shatters Records as Eighth Swimmer to Break 52 Seconds in 100m Backstroke!

World University Games, Day 3 Finals: Pieter Coetze Makes History

Day three of the World University Games showcased some thrilling moments, especially from South African swimmer Pieter Coetze. He shattered records in the 100 backstroke, finishing with a time of 51.99 seconds. This achievement made him only the eighth swimmer in history to go under 52 seconds.

Coetze’s journey has been remarkable. He initially set an impressive pace, clocking 47.88 seconds in the 400 freestyle relay. In the semifinals of the 100 backstroke, he already improved his best time and claimed an African record. In the finals, he was neck and neck with American swimmer Will Modglin at the halfway point, edging ahead with a strong finish.

Modglin earned silver with a personal best of 52.54 seconds, while his teammate Daniel Diehl captured bronze at 52.94 seconds. Notably, this marks a new era for American men’s swimming, as neither swimmer had previously gone under 53 seconds in their careers.

Amidst all the excitement in the men’s events, the women also shined brightly. In the 100 freestyle final, China’s Ai Yanhan made an impressive comeback, speeding to gold with a final time of 54.00 seconds. She previously contributed to her team’s silver in the 400 free relay. American Maxine Parker and France’s Lison Nowaczyk took silver and bronze, respectively, making for a competitive race.

While Coetze dominated in backstroke, Leah Shackley has shown her prowess in women’s swimming, breaking records in both the 200 and 100 backstroke events. Her 100 backstroke semifinals time of 58.97 seconds set a new FISU Games record, showcasing her remarkable talent and training with the NC State team.

In the men’s 200 butterfly semifinals, Taiwan’s Wang Kuan-hung and Mason Laur from the U.S. stood out, both clocking times under 1:56. Their impressive performances set the stage for an exciting final.

These results are not just numbers; they tell a story of dedication and hard work. Recent data highlights that athletes are reaching new heights, pushing the boundaries of what was once thought possible in swimming. The competition is fiercer than ever, and fans are eager to see how these athletes will perform as they gear up for future championships.

With the World Championships on the horizon, swimmers like Coetze, Shackley, and their peers are not just making history—they’re inspiring the next generation of athletes. This year’s games are a testament to their hard work, skill, and an indication of the future of competitive swimming.

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2025 World University Games,Ai Yanhan,Daniel Diehl,Emma Weber,Leah Shackley,Pieter Coetze,Will Modglin