Chad le Clos may have just been crowned the world’s best swimmer, but he has no time to bask in the glory as he goes back to training today.
“It was my goal to be the best swimmer in the world at some point in my career. I just didn’t think it would happen already,” the 22-year-old said yesterday.
“I have to keep up the momentum.”
The golden boy lived up to his nickname at the International Swimming Federation’s World Short-Course Champion-ship in Doha last week.
Le Clos claimed victory in the 200m freestyle, as well as the triple crown in butterfly – the 50m and 200m – the latter for which he holds the world record from last year.
He also beat the 100m world record last week.
“I worked really hard. It was my first time swimming the 200m freestyle at a big meet on a world stage, and getting gold was incredible. I’m very happy and proud.”
Also proud are his parents, who had travelled to Qatar with him.
At their Pinetown home, his father, Bert, gushed as he spoke of his son and how he and his wife, Geraldine, had had to carry Chad’s heavy medals and trophies for the 20-hour trip back home.
On Tuesday night, hundreds of fans descended on King Shaka International Airport to welcome their hero home.
Chad said his achievements were a huge responsibility.
“There is a lot of reward – leave the financial, I’m talking about the prestige. I can’t get used to it. I’m just so honoured, this year has been an incredible journey,” he said. “I thank everyone in South Africa for the support and I promise to keep up the momentum.”
Chad encouraged the country to celebrate the whole swimming team, who despite “a few bumps in the road, continue to deliver big on the world stage”.
When he’s not competing, Chad is training, preparing and strategising on how to approach the next race.
But from Christmas eve, the world champion will be just one of the boys as he takes a trip to Cape Town with close friends. “We go down every year just to have fun and enjoy ourselves.”
This and another week at Easter are his only two weeks off in the whole year.
As if he was not busy enough, Chad has also recently launched a beach clothing range with American swimwear giant, Arena.
As a signature on his clothing line, this king of the pool chose the king of the jungle.
Besides being a symbol of Africa, the lion has special meaning for the Le Closes.
“When he (Chad) was born, I took out a notice in the paper, but I didn’t write the usual baby birth announcement. I said: ‘the lion has roared’,” bellowed Bert, beaming with pride. - The Mercury