Incredible comeback sees Tatjana Smith win gold for South Africa

The final of the women's 100m breaststroke was a star-studded affair, with world record holder Lilly King and rising star Mona McSharry of Ireland in the field.

The Johannesburg native found herself behind early on, and actually made the turn in fourth place. But searing final 15m and a perfect stretch to touch the board saw her edge Chinese hopeful Tang Qianting and McSharry.

Smith was visibly emotional, crying in the water before even turning around to look at the timesheets.

The gold goes with her 200m gold and 100m silver from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Earlier in the pool, men's backstroke competitor Pieter Coetze would finish fifth in the final. World Record holder Thomas Ceccon would claim the gold, stopping the clock at 52.00.

Coetze's time of 52.58 was his personal best and another improvement on the African Record he set in the semifinal. 

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