South African junior and senior women swimmers delivered a series of standout performances on the continental stage as the 17th Africa Aquatics Championships concluded at the Miloud Hadefi Aquatic Centre in Oran, Algeria, on Sunday, 10 May 2026.
Leading the way for the South African juniors was 18-year-old Scarlett le Roux, who secured five individual gold medals in the freestyle events, while Cassidy Burgess claimed three individual golds and two silvers in the butterfly and backstroke disciplines.
Le Roux dominated the freestyle programme, claiming gold across every distance from 100m to 1500m. She topped the podium in the 100m freestyle in a time of 58.36 seconds, followed by the 200m freestyle in 2:06.45, the 400m freestyle in 4:25.37, the 800m freestyle in 9:13.65 and the 1500m freestyle in 17:34.04.
Reflecting on a campaign that exceeded her own expectations, Le Roux said the opening day gold in the 1500m freestyle was the turning point that set the tone for the rest of the week.
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“Going in I wasn’t expecting much. I didn’t feel great and confident, we had just come off a long session. Up until I actually got in the water I was not feeling ready, but winning 1500 on the first day definitely helped with my mentality towards the rest,” said Le Roux.
The teenager added that the breakthrough performance had raised her profile in the sport.
“I do feel like this has helped put my name out there, and I’m hoping I’m being perceived as a swimmer worth watching.”
5x Africa Aquatics Champions Gold Medalist, Scarlett le Roux
In the senior ranks, Isabeau Coetsee was the pick of the South African swimmers, claiming gold in the 100m backstroke in 1:03.18 and in the 200m backstroke in 2:16.42, along with a silver in the 50m backstroke in 29.74 seconds.
Le Roux, who has relocated to Pretoria to train under Rocco Meiring at Tuks, said her focus now turns to building on the momentum gained in Oran.
“I’m taking this next season step by step, just ready for my next opportunity to prove myself more,” said Le Roux.
Swimming South Africa president Alan Fritz hailed the contributions of the young South African contingent in Oran.
“It’s incredibly encouraging to see so many of our young swimmers stepping up and delivering performances of this standard on the continental stage,” said Fritz. “These championships are an important part of the development journey for our next generation of elite athletes.”
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“The experience gained in this environment will be invaluable as these athletes continue their progression in the sport,” Fritz concluded.
Original Copy: Karien Jonckheere for Swimming SA, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: Scarlett le Roux and Isabeau Coetsee headlined the women’s swimming contingent as South Africa excelled at the 17th Africa Aquatics Championships in Oran, Algeria. All Photos: Africa Aquatics
Photo 2 Caption: Scarlett le Roux claimed five individual gold medals across the freestyle programme at the 17th Africa Aquatics Championships in Algeria.
