The People's Champion

READYING FOR THE 2024 OLYMPICS, WE CHAT TO SUPERSTAR ATHLETE CHAD LE CLOS ABOUT HIS NEW DOCUMENTARY AND WHAT IT MEANS TO REPRESENT SOUTH AFRICA ON THE MAIN STAGE

- Walter Hayward

FIRST OFF, LET’S BE HONEST, NOT MANY OF US WILL GET THE PRIVILEGE OF HAVING OUR JOURNEY (BE IT LIFE, CAREER, ETCETERA) TURNED INTO A DOCUMENTARY – AND AN ENTERTAINING ONE, AT THAT. IF YOU’RE LUCKY, YOU MIGHT GET A WIKIPEDIA ARTICLE AND PAT ON THE BACK.

No, your story, your mission, your raison d’être has to be so significant that millions of people will sit up and take notice. So then, what luck we have that Chadle Clos’ film dedicated to his inimitable journey is both captivating and enlightening. I say luck, but that concept – in the world of Olympic champions – might be a subject on par with religion. Let’s say, then, it was… inevitable. A man this talented and competitive was always bound, destined to have a story to tell. I’m glad he did.

It’s the overpowering sense of love that first grabs your attention. Chad’s documentary is as much a view into the complexities of being an Olympic athlete as it is an homage to familial support. Born Racer started as a passion project and provides viewers with a glimpse into the tumultuous journey that comes with being a professional swimmer.

Aft er gaining the world’s attention at the 2012 London Olympics, Chad has built a career and a brand that resonates with the ultra-ambitious. I mean, the simple act of beating your hero, (the legendary Michael Phelps) at their own game is a tale worth a thousand documentaries. Th is one, then, pulls back the curtain on some truly impressive moments – kicking off with the above-mentioned, much-admired 200-metre butterfly race.