Lara Shakes Things Up in South Africa

Lara van Niekerk set the 2022 South African Swimming Championships alight last week as she ripped a scorching lifetime best of 1:05.67 in the 100m Breaststroke event. The 18-year-old proved herself a force to be reckoned with ahead of this summer’s international schedule as she led the field home to claim the 100m Breaststroke title on Saturday. Van Niekerk most notably got the better of Tokyo Olympic champion Tatjana Schoenmaker who stopped the clock for second place with a 1:06.06 in Gqeberha last week.

Lara was thrilled with her blistering performance in her Apex Predator X suit and Funky Blade Swimmer race goggles. "I was expecting a 1:05 but not that quick. I was expecting a 1:05.9, so I'm super happy. I surprised myself, and I think a lot of people in the stands."

This superb 100m victory was not the only race to make significant waves throughout the swimming world, as Lara also smashed a new National Record in the 50m Breaststroke Prelims. Her time of 29.72 ranks her at the summit of this year’s Fina World rankings setting the Funkita athlete up for exciting months ahead with the World Championships and Commonwealth Games on the horizon.

With a busy couple months ahead the 18-year-old Breaststroke talent finds herself ranked 5th in the World this year and 1st in Commonwealth rankings. Funkita is so proud to support Lara through her incredible journey. Be sure to follow her socials @lara_vn_ to see this exciting story unfold in the coming months!