Pieter Coetze Builds a Collection at 2025 World Aquatics Championships

When Pieter Coetze touched the wall first in the 100 m backstroke final at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, the swimming world sat up. A 51.85-second finish — the fastest of his career — made him not just a world champion, but also the new African record holder.

For most 20-year-olds, that would mark the high point of a career. But for Coetze, it’s part of a bigger story — one about focus, balance, and redefining success.

A Golden 2025

This has been a defining year for the Pretoria-born swimmer. After dominating at the World University Games in Berlin, where he bagged two golds (100 m and 50 m backstroke) and a silver in the 100 m freestyle, Coetze carried that momentum into Singapore.

At Worlds, he didn’t just win — he built a collection. Gold in the 100 m backstroke, silver in the 50 m (24.17 s, another African record), and silver in the 200 m (1:53.36). It was one of South Africa’s best individual campaigns in recent history and cemented Coetze’s status as one of the fastest backstrokers on the planet.

What’s even more impressive is the mindset behind it. On The Sias du Plessis Show, Pieter shared that these results didn’t come from doubling down on pressure — they came from learning to release it.

Turning Down Berkeley — and Turning Inward

A couple of years ago, Coetze shocked the swimming community when he turned down a full athletic scholarship to UC Berkeley, one of the world’s top collegiate swimming programs.

His reason was simple but profound: he wasn’t done with South Africa yet.

Instead of chasing the American college dream, he chose to stay home and enroll at the University of Pretoria, studying psychology while training at Tuks. It was a decision rooted in balance — and it changed his mindset entirely.

Pieter admitted that for years, swimming consumed everything — every goal, every waking thought, every ounce of energy revolved around the pool. But that intensity came with anxiety, burnout, and pressure that eventually dulled the joy of competing.

By studying psychology, he found new tools to understand his own mind — learning about performance anxiety, motivation, and how mental clarity fuels consistency. It helped him step back, breathe, and see himself as more than a medal machine.

The Power of Perspective

Coetze told me that his biggest breakthrough wasn’t physical — it was emotional. The moment he allowed himself to liveoutside swimming, his results inside the pool improved.

“It’s crazy,” he said. “The more balanced I became, the faster I swam.”

This new approach is visible in everything he does — from how he manages his training blocks to how he handles the spotlight. There’s confidence, but it’s grounded. Ambition, but with gratitude.

More Than a Champion

Pieter Coetze’s story is a reminder that greatness isn’t about grinding yourself into dust. It’s about mastering both the lane and the life beyond it.

As he eyes another world title — and possibly Olympic gold — his biggest asset may not be his stroke technique or power off the wall, but his understanding of balance, identity, and self-awareness.

In a sport that measures success by milliseconds, Pieter Coetze has found time — and peace — on his own terms.

Watch the full interview here

Source: Briefly News