The swimming world has not witnessed a more respectful relationship between rivals than that of Michael Phelps and Chad Le Clos. The South African swimmer grew up watching Phelps take on the world and create one record after another. Seeing him, Le Clos said, “I loved the guy, worshipped the guy. And then I had to beat the guy”. The moment finally came at the 2021 London Olympics and Chad Le Clos was ready for the challenge. He outswam his idol and took the 200-meter butterfly gold. To prove that he was not a one-win wonder, the swimmer has dominated many Swimming World Cups throughout the years.
Chad Le Clos is the Swimming World Cup’s all-time winningest athlete, with 151 gold medals in his tally. He has been on top of his game for the last three decades and has throttled on full engines. But ahead of the Swimming World Cup 2023 he seems to be almost out of fuel as the Olympic champion revealed the challenges in the life of an elite swimmer.
Chad Le Clos unveils personal challenges at the Swimming World Cup 2023
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Chad Le Clos has a few good swims left in him, but his physical illnesses have taken a toll on his performances. It was apparent in the 100-meter butterfly heat in Berlin where the South African champion could not qualify for the finals. Interestingly, it was his signature event and he was favored for the victory. Chad Le Clos disclosed his challenges as a veteran athlete in an exclusive with World Aquatics saying, “…timing of these Swimming World Cups is a bit unfortunate for me at this time. It’s been a tough time for me, especially with the virus that I had had for four months that kept me out of the World Aquatics Championships this past summer”.
The unfortunate illness had marred this terrific swimmer’s chances of regaining control at the elite-level competitions. His difficulties began with the 2023 Fukuoka World Championships, where he had to abandon his bid for the fifth world title. While his recent challenges have definitely put a dampener on his spirits, his incredible legacy at the Swimming World Cup still shines brightly.
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Chad Le Clos’ Swimming World Cup legacy
Chad Le Clos debuted at the Swimming World Cup in 2007. That year, the World Cup took place in Durban, and Le Clos had qualified for the 200-meter breaststroke finals. However, he did not win any medal at the World Cup till he competed in Berlin for the 400-meter IM. He was excited to compete once more in Berlin at the Swimming World Cup 2023 but his illness prevented him from reaching his usual speed. He is still determined as ever, saying, “I sacrificed my social life as a teenager. I am highly motivated by legacy; I want to be the best short-course swimmer, ever”.
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This former Swimmer of the Year has still a long way to go before he can safely hang the towel. For starters, he will not rest until he has once more earned another Olympic gold. With his latest setback, Chad Le Clos will dive back into training and soon regain his familiar stance before the biggest competition next year.
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