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That is exactly what the Tuks-based swimmer did yesterday, and she reaped the rewards.Veldsman finished third in the 200m breaststroke, clocking 2:30.87—nearly four seconds faster than her previous personal best. It was no wonder she was left stunned after her race.
“I didn’t expect to qualify for the final at all. My only goal was to give it my all—that’s my objective every time I race. It is an incredible achievement, and bringing home bronze for my country means the world to me. I’m not looking too far ahead; I’ll take things one step at a time from here, but for now, I’m going to savour this unforgettable moment,” Veldsman said in a poolside interview with Sascoc.
As to swimming a personal best, Veldsman said, “It feels amazing. I’ve been stuck on 2:34 for about a year or so, so I’m really proud of the achievement that I did this morning and another PB in the final.”
Japan’s Mana Ishikawa won with a 2:26.50. Mohan Chang (China) was second in 2:27.21. Veldsman finished third.
Before the Games, Veldsman had been feeling discouraged because she hadn’t been able to improve her times.
“I suppose I’ll just have to work harder. That’s not a problem for me. One thing I love about swimming is that it gives me the chance to push myself to the absolute limit—especially during the final stretch of every race.”
Veldsman credited Tuks’ head swimming coach, Rocco Meiring, for his role in her success.
“I trust him completely, knowing that he has produced Olympians and is deeply committed to his swimmers. It’s an amazing journey to be coached by him.”
What certainly helps a great deal is that, most afternoons at Tuks, she trains in the same lane as Kaylene Corbett (a breaststroke medalist at the World Championships and the Commonwealth Games).
“I must say, Kaylene has a way of pushing you when she swims alongside you. I hope to sit down and chat with her sometime. Perhaps she can give me a few tips on what it takes to perform at an international level in swimming.”
Veldsman will also compete in the 50 and 100 metres breaststroke races.
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