I was in such a bad place - Chad Le Clos

By Mazola Molefe
23rd May 2023

Swimming sensation Chad Le Clos says he’s fought off his demons and is now in the best shape of his life ahead of the World Championships in July, with the main focus next year’s Olympic Games in Paris.

The 31-year-old is fresh from a stunning display at the SA National Aquatic Championships early last month in Gqeberha – winning in the 200m butterfly, 100m freestyle and 100m butterfly.

Le Clos was speaking shortly after the launch of his documentary Born Racer.

"I was in such a bad place for about a year and a half and when you come out of the storm you feel an extra kicker," he said.

"I've always been resilient but I think fixing my mind, fixing the way that I thought, fixing the approach to things. I became very emotional after lockdown, so small things will piss me off and I wouldn't be able to shake off certain things that happened."

A gold medal winner at the Olympic Games in London 11 years ago, Le Clos is aiming for a repeat in France. Despite his iconic status, Le Clos battled for some time to move on from his shock fifth place finish at the delayed 2020 event in Japan.

"Now I just roll the punches like I used to before. I just kind of understood that it is what it is. I wouldn't let anything get me down especially when it come to racing, came to competing because I still have a lot of challenges," he explained.

"With all respect, I'm not playing the same sports as Michael Phelps, they have everything, the Americans, the Australians, the British, we have to fight for everything from South Africa."

To replicate London will be a tall order, however, Le Clos expressed views that indicate he has matured not only in age but mental strength too.

"I think even a year ago I was looking back at experiences like Rio and saying, 'Why this happened to me?' Slight victim mentality which I hate to say because I'm not a victim and I think people shouldn't be a victim of anything that happens because you can always overcome things," the swimmer added.

We've been through a lot as a family, my dad, my mum, my brothers, my sisters and you just gotta be tough. Like I said in the end you judge a man or a woman by the tough times they go through not how they celebrate victory."