The "Oom" of TuksSwimming, Pieter Coetzé, completed a brilliant campaign when he won the 100m-backstroke during the South African National Aquatic Championships.

When the 16-year-old touched the "wall" after pushing himself to the limit for 54.25s, it meant he achieved a hat trick of victories.  The Tuks swimmer also won the 50m-backstroke (25.02s) and the 200m-backstroke (1:58.33).

In doing so, he came close to qualifying for the Tokyo Olympic Games. In the 200m event, he missed the qualification standard by 0.83s and in the 100m event with 0.40s. 

Coetzé can rightfully wonder what might have been if he did not slip at his start in the 100m-backstroke. Still, he has the satisfaction of knowing he had at least set Olympic selection times in both events. 

The "Oom" thing came about when he competed in the 50m-butterfly.  The South African swimming legend, Chad le Clos, said he was surprised when he saw this "big bloke" also lining up to swim.

"I am honest. I did not know who Coetzé was. Because he is so tall, I nearly called him 'Oom'. I thought Coetzé was at least 28. What an incredible talent he is. And he is only 16." 

Le Clos won the 50m-butterfly in 23.72s. Coetzé was third in 24.14s.

Last night Kaylene Corbett ensured she is the second Tuks swimmer to qualify for the Tokyo Olympic Games when she clocked 2:25.18 in a time trial race in the 200m-breaststroke. 

Tatjana Schoenmaker, who swam a world-leading time on Friday when she won the 200m-breaststroke in 2:20.17, also did a time trial. The Tuks swimmer was again impressive swimming 2:21.32. It is the second-fastest time in the world so far this season. 

Rocco Meiring, TuksSwimming head coach had a good reason for wanting Schoenmaker to do a time trial. During the Olympic Games, she will have to swim the heats, a semi-final and the final within two days. With each race, she would need to be at her best.

The 18-year-old Duné Coetzee (Tuks) won the 200m-butterfly and 400m-freestyle events. She finished third in the 200m-freestyle. Henre Louw (Tuks) won the men's 400m-freestyle.