Roland Schoeman has the rules of the Pan Pacific Championships to thank for his place in Friday night's final of the 100m freestyle.
The rules of the competition, currently taking place in Victoria, Canada, state that only two swimmers from each country can swim in a final.
Schoeman had what by his exceptionally high standards would be considered a disappointing morning swim, reaching the wall in 49,78 seconds to finish 10th-fastest overall. But the number of Americans ahead of him who were ruled out meant he was bumped up to the A final.
"Roland was not happy at all after his race," said South African head coach Dirk Lange. "His plan was to go out fast, but he just didn't find his rhythm.
Schoeman's training partner in Arizona, Lyndon Ferns, had a better time of it. He swam 49,57 seconds to finish second in his heat behind American Jason Lezak and seventh overall.
"Lyndon was satisfied with that, but he can go faster in the first 50m. He is feeling really confident for the final where he can hopefully swim a 49,0," said Lange.
Gerhard Zandberg, meanwhile, swam a personal best time of 50,17 seconds to finish 15th overall and will compete in the B final.
Other South Africans who will be in action in Friday night's finals include Suzaan van Biljon, William Diering and Neil Versveld.
Van Biljon was another one disappointed with her morning swim, however. She finished the 100m breaststroke in 1:09,63. It may not have been close to her best, but it was still good enough to finish fifth overall and book her place in the A final.