By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@WorldAquatics.
Tatjana Schoenmaker claimed the silver medal in the 100m breaststroke at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan on Tuesday.
The Olympic 200m champion was well off the pace of Lithuanian gold medallist Ruta Meilutyte, who touched the wall in 1:04.62, and she was well short of the African record (1:04.82) she set when she earned silver at the Tokyo Olympics two years ago.
Schoenmaker did enough, however, to secure the runner-up spot, clocking 1:05.84 over two lengths to snatch her second career World Championships medal in her specialist stroke.
“I didn’t expect that [medal]. The last world championships I was at [in 2019] I came sixth in the 100m so to medal is incredible,” said Schoenmaker after her race.
“I don’t train for the 100, I train for the 200 so I’m just grateful that my speed is there.
“Obviously the 200 is more my main focus, but I’m very grateful that my 100 time is fast because that helps a lot with the 200. But it is obviously a completely different race.
American swimmer Lydia Jacoby took third position in 1:05.94 and her compatriot, world record holder Lilly King, settled for fourth spot in 1:06.02.