SPORTS FEATURE
Being Chad le Clos means living in the spotlight, which often leads to assumptions.“ A lot of times I meet people, and they say,‘ You’ re actually a nice person,’” he laughs. He mentions former Chelsea and Ivory Coast star Didier Drogba, often labelled arrogant, explaining that Drogba was one of the most humble, God-fearing men around, simply adopting a tough persona on the field.
When he’ s not training, Le Clos enjoys the simple pleasures of life: riding his electric scooter along Cape Town’ s beaches and playing video games
“ IT’ S A MASSIVE, MASSIVE YEAR FOR ME. I’ VE GOT SOME BIG PROJECTS COMING UP.”
his father’ s birthplace, also holds deep emotional significance.“ It’ s just a remarkable place,” he says.
The swimming foundation he established is at the heart of his plans.“ We’ ve helped many children in the township; we have assisted numerous people in learning to swim. The most incredible thing is knowing I’ m helping children and leaving a legacy,” he says. He is also dedicated to swimming all eight miles at the 2026 Midmar Mile, mobilising more than 30 swimmers to join him in raising funds for underprivileged children.
Looking ahead, his ambitions are considerable.“ It’ s a massive, massive year for me. I’ ve got some significant projects coming up … It’ s been 12 years since Glasgow, where I won seven medals. I need one more medal to become the all-time leader at the Commonwealth Games across all sports and nations. So, I’ m aiming for that.” He also has his sights set on the World Short Course Championships and on closing the all-time medals gap with former American swimmer Ryan Lochte. on his PlayStation.“ I love the beach. I live in Cape Town, so it’ s great to head down to Saunders,” he says.“ Living in Germany for the last two years really made me appreciate the sunshine.”
Although he has travelled widely, from Turkey to Italy, Cape Town remains his home. Mauritius,
Le Clos’ s story is entering a new chapter, where he is emerging not only as an athlete but also as a leader. The Chad le Clos Foundation launches at the end of January 2026.
For him, 2026 is not merely another year. It is the year he hopes people will remember. IB
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