"I probably wouldn't have made it out" - Chad le Clos opens up about devastating apartment fire
South African swimming legend Chad le Clos is back from the 2026 Commonwealth Games, where he became the most decorated athlete in Commonwealth Games history, but along with the celebrations, there has been devastation.
Chad le Clos is a household name throughout South Africa, a legend and one of the world's most accomplished athletes.
Most of us can remember where we were when Le Clos defeated his childhood hero, Michael Phelps, to win Gold in the Men's 200m Butterfly Final at the London 2012 Olympics.
This year, at the Commonwealth Games, South Africa's athletes made their country proud, bringing home six medals, but the man of the moment was once again Chad Le Clos.
The swimmer picked up three medals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games: silver in the mixed 4x100 medley and bronze in the men's 4x100 freestyle relay.
His third medal, and his 21st overall, came after South Africa secured bronze in the men’s four-by-100-metres medley relay in Glasgow.
With a record-breaking 21 Commonwealth Games medals to his name, Le Clos became the event’s most decorated athlete.
Unfortunately, the celebrations for his impressive achievement were short-lived.
Only 45 minutes after he broke the record, he received news that his apartment in Cape Town was on fire.
Listen to his interview with The Drive with Rob & Roz about his incredible achievement, if he's got plans for the 2028 Olympics, and the devastating loss of his home and neighbour in a fatal fire:
Tune in to 'The Drive with Rob & Roz', on weekdays from 16:00 – 19:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.
Listen to Jacaranda FM:
- 94.2
- Jacaranda FM App
- http://jacarandafm.com
- DStv 858/ OpenView 602
Follow us on social media:
Image: Supplied/Jacaranda FM