SA swimmer Le Clos targets CWG history

GOLD COAST, Australia: South Africa’s Chad Le Clos could become the most successful athlete in Commonwealth Games (CWG) history when he takes the plunge in seven swimming events in Gold Coast starting next week.

The 25-year-old pin-up, a four-time world champion and 2012 Olympic gold medallist, is six medals behind shooters Mick Gault and Philip Adams, who lead the way with 18.However, Englishman Gault and Australian Adams took six Games to reach 18 medals. Le Clos is aiming to do it in three, although he knows the odds are against him. “I don’t want to sound like I’m looking for seven golds, because I’m not saying that at all,” said Le Clos, attempting to play down his chances as he contests the 50m, 100m and 200m butterfly and 100m and 200m freestyle.

“I could come away with two or three medals and not seven — it’s a very real possibility because I’m in very tough events,” added the South African, who also goes in the 4x100m free and 4x100m medley relays.

Le Clos shot to global fame at the 2012 London Olympics when he stunned swimming legend Michael Phelps by a fingertip to capture the gold medal in the 200m butterfly in one of the sport’s greatest upsets.