Chanel Veldsman won South Africa’s second medal at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, when she claimed the bronze medal in the Girls’ 200m Breaststroke final.
The 17-year-old from Die Hoërskool Menlopark and TuksSport finished third in an impressive 2:30.87, a new personal best.
“It feels amazing. I’ve been stuck on 2:34 for about a year or so, so I’m really proud of the achievement that I did this morning and another PB this afternoon,” she told Olympics.com.
Japan’s Mana Ishikawa finished first in a time of 2:26:50, while Mohan Chang of China claimed silver with 2:27:21.
Just 12 months ago, Veldsman lined up for her first international swimming competition, the 2025 World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships in Otopeni, Romania. Now she has won bronze at Dakar 2026.
She was very happy with her result. “This feels very special, and I’m proud of myself. I’m proud of the time that I got.
“I really wanted to try to go under 2:30, but I did what I did, and my race plan was just to try my best and give my all,” she said.
Veldsman also said she believes that swimming in an outdoor pool works to her advantage.
“I train outside, so I’m used to it. It’s kind of easy. I just enjoy the open air. The atmosphere is quite good, to me. I just enjoy it.”
Veldsman’s bronze was Team SA’s second medal, after Leah Markgraaff won silver in the Girls’ 400m Freestyle.
