Defending champion Lara van Niekerk made a strong return to competitive swimming at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, setting a season's best time of 30.23 seconds in the 50m breaststroke heats.

The 23-year-old, who had been sidelined for nearly four years due to health issues and injuries, led from the start to secure a spot in the evening semifinals.Her performance was nearly half a second faster than Australia's Sienna Toohey, who clocked 30.72.Van Niekerk's time also places her as the eighth-fastest in history for the 50m breaststroke, with a Games record of 29.73 seconds.Despite previous struggles, including failing to qualify for the Paris Olympics, her confidence and form suggest she is primed for success.Other South African swimmers like Pieter Coetzé and Olivia Nel also advanced to semifinals, highlighting a strong team performance.The article underscores van Niekerk's resilience and potential to reclaim her position as a top-tier swimmer.