By qualifying for the 200m-breaststroke final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in France, Tatjana Smith and Kaylene Corbett have improved on one of the most unique records in South African sports.

On Thursday, 1 August, it will be the sixth time the Tuks female swimmers will compete in the same event in a final at a major international event.

They first did so during the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, then the 2019 World Student Games, the 2019 World Championships, the Tokyo Olympic Games and in 2022 at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games. Smith medalled on each occasion – winning four gold medals and a silver and Corbett won bronze in Birmingham.

Smith finished second in the semi-finals while USA's Kate Douglas took the first spot. The American had her work cut out to do so. She and Smith duelled it out until the very last metre. Douglas pipped Smith by 0.20s. The winning time was 2:19.74. Smith swam 2:19.94. It is, respectively, the third and fourth fastest time this season.

It is the first time since the Tokyo Games that Smith has been defeated in the 200m-breaststroke. It might prove to be a blessing in disguise. It is now guaranteed that Smith will come out "guns blazing" tomorrow night in the final because she has "BMT". Smith predicted that the final would be a dogfight.

A smiling Smith said afterwards in an SASCOC interview that Douglas brought the best out of her and that she was happy with the time she had swam.

"I knew it was going to be a good race. Kate and I challenged each other. This competitiveness is what I love about swimming. I raced my race, and at the end of the day, I had to get out of the pool without any regrets."

Smith praised Corbett for the role she played in her career.

"Kaylene has played a massive role in what I have achieved. She is not only a friend but a fantastic training partner. We have pushed each other to be the best we can be. So tomorrow, swimming in the final for the last time with Kaylene will be special," said Smith, hinting that this might be her last Olympics.

Corbett finished second in her semi-final swimming 2.22.87. It is a season's best time.

Another Tuks swimmer in action. Pieter Coetze qualified for the 200m-backstroke final swimming 1:56.09. His was the third fastest in the semis.

"I am going to swim my race and trust my body to do what it is supposed to do. Hopefully, all goes well. I am already glad to be here and gain experience. If I had to walk out now, I would be happy with what I had achieved." said the Tuks swimmer.

Coetze was fifth in the 100m-backstroke final.