Roland Schoeman bows out of Commonwealth Games

The 34-year-old South African ended his fifth and last Commonwealth Games with a sixth place behind winner 19-year-old Ben Proud whose 21.92 was 0.16 seconds off the Games record he set in the heats.

Australians Cameron McEvoy and James Magnussen took silver and bronze in 22 seconds and 22.10 sec respectively.

Schoeman, who uncharacteristically was only fourth off the blocks, never looked to be in the chase against the new order as he clocked a time of 22.36.

“It was disappointing, I need to figure things out as I was 22 seconds about four or five weeks ago,” said Schoeman, who has been a stalwart of the South African team over two decades.

“That was the positive thing and it’s disappointing not being able to step up here and do it tonight.”

The swimmers are traditionally South Africa’s biggest contributors of medals at multi-sport events and Schoeman repeated a familiar appeal for increased financial support.

“The challenge for us is that we need the funding and sponsorship to continue here (at this level),” he said.

“What most people don’t understand is that it all hinges on swims like tonight.

“You are only as good as your last swim and for me trying to get to a fifth Olympics it becomes increasingly harder not to come away with a medal.”

Schoeman confirmed that he would not be attending the Gold Coast Games in 2018 as he reflected on his Games career.

“There have been highs and lows, on day two here coming away with the silver (in the 50m butterfly) and sharing the 4x100m freestyle relay silver with a bunch of youngsters.

“In Melbourne winning that 400m freestyle relay with Ryk Neethling, Lyndon Ferns and Gerhard Zandberg and being able to tour and experience the world and cultures.”

Schoeman only found out in the evening of his omission from the 4x100m medley relay team.

“It’s disappointing not to be there, I think I deserved that and given its my last games it would have been nice for the coaches to recognise that,” Schoeman said.

“It would have been good to come away with medal 13 and be the all-time record holder.”

Games novice Brad Tandy finished seventh behind Schoeman but has gained from the experience of Glasgow 2014.

“Making the finals itself was good, now with more training and more confidence I can make the progression up to Rio,” Tandy said.

– Sapa