Leaving A Lasting Legacy

Olympic and Commonwealth Games champion Chad le Clos is a man on a mission – in and outside the pool. He plans not only to add to his already impressive medal tally, but also to give back to the sport

- Grant Shub

Chad le Clos rolls up to the photo shoot in his newly sponsored Mercedes-Benz Cabriolet. Like the man himself, the snow-white ride makes a statement. With his name emblazoned on the right door of the car from Rola Motors, his fans have been waving and hooting since he got the keys. He makes sure to always wave back and acknowledge his supporters. He enjoys the limelight and is aware of the responsibility that comes with being a positive role model. After becoming the most decorated Commonwealth Games swimmer ever, there is a spring in his step.

The swimming superstar created his own slice of history by becoming the first man to complete the butterfly treble, claiming gold medals in the 50m, 100m, and 200m distances in Queensland. When Le Clos took part in his maiden Commonwealth Games in 2010, as a bright-eyed and bushy-haired 18-year-old, winning double gold pointed to a promising future. However, few predicted that the teenager would go on to become the flagbearer for South African swimming and a world sports icon.

‘Becoming the most successful Commonwealth Games swimmer feels unbelievable. It really is a dream come true,’ Le Clos tells GQ. ‘I am proud of my family name and I want it to be remembered forever.’ Five years after GQ first caught up with Le Clos in 2013, the Durban-born sensation has witnessed both of his parents overcome their battles with cancer, has relocated to Cape Town and appointed a brand new trainer – the world-renowned Andrea di Nino. After overcoming an annus horribilis in 2016 in and out of the pool, he has rediscovered his passion for the sport and is eternally grateful his parents are healthy.

‘In a swimming sense, when I stepped on the starting block nobody cared that my parents had cancer – there were no excuses. I lost races at Rio 2016 and I cannot change the outcome but I can influence the future, and not repeat the same mistakes.’