Chad le Clos

Chad Guy Bertrand le Clos, OIS (born 12 April 1992) is a South African competitive swimmer who is an Olympic, World and Commonwealth Games champion. Quotes I was very fortunate to win an Olympic gold when I was very young and it was an amazing time for me, but also it was difficult. I had to deal with a lot of other external pressures that I wasn't used to and finding a balance was hard. I was devastated, but it got me more hungry, I've never been more motivated to be successful. I had to deal with a lot of other external pressures that I wasn't used to. I would just be going to the supermarket, the same one I'd been going to all of my life in Durban, and I'd be stopped for photos every time. I love my fans and the interest is an honour, but it was hard finding a balance. I wouldn't say that I was going into competitions underprepared, but perhaps my preparations weren't perfect. I went there thinking I could win at least one gold, if not several. I shouldn't say no-one cares, but when you stand on the block no-one does care that your parents are dying of cancer. My dad had his prostate out just before the Olympics and, as everyone knows, we are so close and have done everything together my whole life. With my mum, we were so worried because she had a really fast-spreading cancer and in June/July, just before (Rio 2016), we really didn't know what was going to happen - it all felt like a mess as I was overseas at the time too and couldn't get back. So yes, it was difficult at the time, but when the history books are written, Michael won that 200m fly and I was fourth. But you could take all the gold medals away from me, I'd choose my family every time and fortunately they are both OK now. It just makes me even prouder to go out there to swim for them and my country. It's like being in a professional football team environment and it's unbelievable here, It's crazy. I've always kind of winged it before and never really believed in sports psychology, nutrition or even did any strength work before. I was aware of all of these things before, but then I was always winning and didn't want to change. I know it sounds bad but my idea of swimming was always just 'whoever is the toughest guy will win' and I don't think you can beat me because of the way I've trained, but now it's all changed and I train smart. I'm a proud South African but in Durban you couldn't always find great places to train and also being here around similar enthusiastic and ambitious people makes a huge change. It's all come at the perfect time and one of the biggest things my friends and family say is that they see a happier Chad now which is nice. I'm sure you guys saw on the podium as I was crying like a baby. It's a huge moment because of everything that had happened. It was such an emotional rollercoaster and it felt like redemption for what happened in Rio They're a special event for me because in 2010 (Delhi Commonwealth Games) that was where I won my first two major international titles and it really gave me that hunger to win. I think at the beginning it was all about getting up there and trying to be the best, but now I'm thinking about hopefully surpassing not only Ian Thorpe but to take the overall record, either here or in 2022. I'm only 25 and I won't be stopping any time soon. My dream is to one day have my name as one of the greats, not just in swimming but in all sports, and make Commonwealth as well as Olympic history. Commonwealth Games: Chad le Clos on his bid to revitalise his career, April 4 2018 External links Category:1992 births Category:Sportspeople from South Africa Category:Swimmers Category:Olympic gold medalists