Chad le Clos Wins Gold for South Africa in Russia!
The Springboks may have broken a few fans’ hearts this afternoon, but South Africa’s swim sensation Chad le Clos brought it home for SA in Russia. Chad won gold in the 100 metre butterfly final at the FINA (International Swimming Federation) World Championships in Kazan. The popular South African swimmer went hell for leather and not only won the […]
The Springboks may have broken a few fans’ hearts this afternoon, but South Africa’s swim sensation Chad le Clos brought it home for SA in Russia.
Chad won gold in the 100 metre butterfly final at the FINA (International Swimming Federation) World Championships in Kazan.
The popular South African swimmer went hell for leather and not only won the World title but also broke the African record with his time of 50.56, knocking half a second off his own PB (personal best). His previous record was 51.06 earned at the World Championships in 2013.
This time Chad beat Laszlo Cseh who beat him a few days ago in the 200 m butterfly final. Although disappointed to take silver instead of gold on Wednesday, Chad impressed spectators with his warm congratulations for the Hungarian winner (see video below), and graciously tweeted “wanna congratulate my good friend Laszlo Cseh- great race-great champion, disappointed in my result, but I will bounce back like I always do.”
And he did, swimming to victory in front of his very proud parents.
Today’s win makes Chad, who was named FINA’s Male Swimmer of the Year in 2014, one of the favourites for the 2016 Olympics in Rio next year.
And according to Chad’s Twitter account, he hopes to make history there!
One thing’s for sure – whether he’s breaking records or humbly accepting defeat, Chad le Clos will always make his family, friends and South African fans proud. #GoChad #GoSouthAfrica