Duné Coetzee's only goal for 2023 as an international swimmer is to be faster tomorrow than she was yesterday. 

Judging by her results, she is doing precisely that. At the recent 2023 SA National Aquatic Championships in Gqeberha, the Tuks registered swimmer qualified to compete at the 20th World Aquatics Championships in the 400m and 800-metre freestyle events. It excites her.

"I improved my time in the 800 metres by 11 seconds. In the 400 metres, it was 2 seconds and over 200 metres; it was also nearly two seconds. I was 12 the last time I could improve my times by such big margins."

Apart from her victories over 400 and 800 metres, she also won the 200 and 1500 metres freestyle events during the National Champs.

Coetzee credits her performance to studying and training at the University of Georgia in the USA. 

"It is the best decision I have made. Don't get me wrong, I will forever be grateful for how Tuks's coaches helped and supported me. While at Tuks, I was able to dominate the 200m-butterfly event. The only reason I left Tuks was because I felt I needed to make a change in my life to grow as a person and athlete. 

"At first, competing at the NCAA galas was intimidating. There is never such a thing as an easy race as you compete against some of the world's best swimmers. In one of the 500-metre freestyle races, I competed with Katie Ledecky, who has won numerous medals at the Olympic Games. 

"Needless to say, I am learning with each race. The competitiveness of the college swimming helped me to be so fast during the South African Championships. Getting to compete quite regularly also contributed to giving me an edge in races."

As to not competing in her trademark event, the 200m-butterfly, Coetzee said it was due to a shoulder injury.

"I was forced to take a break from swimming. In hindsight, it was the best thing I could do. Rest was what my body needed. When I returned to the pool, it was decided that swimming the butterfly would be too risky as my shoulder might get injured again. I was advised to swim freestyle and only the longer events to improve my endurance. I am now ready to swim the butterfly again."

In the three years to the buildup to the Tokyo Olympic Games, Coetzee was unbeaten in the local butterfly races. 

Although she has qualified to compete at the World Championships, Coetzee is still determining whether she will. 

"There is a chance I may only compete at the World Student Games in China. Tatjana Schoenmaker's first international breakthrough was winning silver at the World Student Games. She has been a long-time role model for me."