Matthew Sates Shines at the Swimming World Cup.

Matthew Sates is a sure bet in the South African swimming scene. At just 20 years old, he shone again on the World Swimming Circuit . The South African swimmer reached the podium in his second appearance.

Sates was not present at the World Aquatics Championships last July in Fukuoka, Japan. The 20-year-old South African chose to focus on his preparation for the Paris Olympic Games in 2024.

However, Matthew Sates competed in all three stages of the World Swimming Circuit (Berlin, Athens and Budapest) and almost created a sensation by coming out on top in the general classification.

Matthew Sates racked up victories in the styles and butterfly events at the 2023 World Swimming Tour. He was top of the standings heading into the final event. Qin Haiyang of China came first in the first two stages, winning the competitions in Berlin and Athens.

However, with one day to go, Matthew Sates overtook Qin. On the second day of the third stage, in Budapest, he won the title in the 200 m style and 200 m butterfly events, which proved decisive. However, Qin, from China, responded by winning the 200 meter breaststroke, achieving his ninth victory.

Thanks to the additional points needed, Qin tipped the scales in his favor. Sates came very close to victory, but in the end he had to settle for third place, being defeated by Thomas Ceccon in the 100m backstroke, by just one point.

Matthew Sates, did not get the $100.000 prize promised to the winner. However, the South African is satisfied with his performance and is now focused on the next Olympic Games to be held in Paris in 2024.

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Picture: © 2023 Marcus Chen