HANGZHOU – Olympians Cameron van der Burgh and Chad le Clos will lead South Africa’s charge at the 14th Fina World Swimming Championships (25m) in Hangzhou, China from December 11 to 16.
The dynamic duo are among nine swimmers – six men and three women – that will be representing the country at the short-course Championships.
The pair will be making their fifth appearances at the competition, with Van der Burgh looking to add more silverware to his six medals, while Le Clos boasts an impressive 11 medals, nine of which are gold.
Le Clos will be looking to become the first male swimmer to win four consecutive 100m butterfly titles at the event, as well as his third 50m butterfly title.
Rio Olympian Brad Tandy will also fancy his chances of earning a podium place after winning the 50m freestyle silver medal at this year's Commonwealth Games in April.
Cameron Van der Burgh lead SA charge at World Swimming Championships in China.Photo: Patrick B. Kraemer/EPA
The team also includes the young and talented Rebecca Meder, who will be making her debut at the senior level, while Ryan Coetzee will be hoping to build on his success from the Commonwealth Games where he won bronze in the 50m butterfly.
South Africa finished fourth on the medal table at the 2016 World Championships in Canada where Le Clos won the 50, 100 and 200m butterfly gold medals and the 200m freestyle silver with Van der Burgh claiming the 50m breaststroke title.
The South African team is:
Men: Ryan Coetzee, Douglas Erasmus, Chad le Clos, Ayrton Sweeney, Brad Tandy, Cameron van der Burgh.
Women: Erin Gallagher, Rebecca Meder, Emily Visagie.