Chad Le Clos ready to shock the world again at Commonwealth Games

He remains cautious, however, noting that he must first secure qualification at the South African National Championships, scheduled for 14-18 April 2026 in Gqeberha.

Speaking to SABC Sport, “Superfly Guy” says there is still much he wants to achieve to cement his legacy.

“I would like one or two more medals just to secure everything, but for me, it’s really about legacy right now. Five Commonwealth Games  –  no one has done that. I think Roland [Schoeman] might have, but I stand to be corrected. And five Olympics  – no one has done that in South Africa ever,” says Le Clos.

“There are only three or four that have done four, I stand alone in history with five Olympics. There’s a lot of things I want to achieve”

“At the short course – three more medals at the World Championships and I will be the greatest short course swimmer in history, officially.

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Although Le Clos admits he is nearing the end of his career and his body has taken strain over the years, he explains why he keeps going.

“I’m 34 years old. I'm absolutely at the end. My body has taken a lot of damage, so maybe it doesn’t happen. I can't speak for tomorrow, but I’m going to give it my best shot. I’ve got nothing to lose. I don’t have to swim; I'm not here because I have to, but because I want to. I want to keep making my family proud as much as I can and just show the kids that we keep going no matter what.”

Ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, he believes one positive is that Team South Africa’s swimming squad has grown stronger, and he is confident in the quality within the team.  

The former Westville Boys’ High School scholar added that the 2028 Olympic Games in Las Vegas will be his “Last Dance”.