Le Clos, Cameron could earn millions

File picture of Olympic gold medallists Chad le Clos (left) and Cameron van der Burgh.

File picture of Olympic gold medallists Chad le Clos (left) and Cameron van der Burgh.

Published Aug 3, 2012

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Johannesburg – South Africa's Olympic gold medallists Chad le Clos and Cameron van der Burgh can expect to earn between R2 million and R4 million a year from sponsorship deals, according to their manager Ryk Neethling.

"The important thing is to allow them to focus on swimming, but at the same time, their lives have been irrevocably changed," Neethling, a 2004 Olympic gold medalist, told Beeld on Friday.

Le Clos won the 200m men's butterfly gold medal and Van der Burgh took the 100m breaststroke gold.

Eben Venter, a sports agent at Sterling Sport Management in Pretoria, said the two were at their commercial peak, and should make the most of it.

"Their value, in commercial terms, has shot through the roof. An Olympic gold medal will ensure them of a lot of money, long-term," Venter said.

Neethling will also benefit financially from his clients' commercial value, Venter said.

"As their manager, he could claim up to 20 percent of their income."

The fact that Le Clos and Van der Burgh are both based in South Africa, also counts in their favour as they are available for events and talks, said Penny Heyns, who won two gold medals in 1996. – Sapa

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