Le Clos initially played football, a sport deeply rooted in his family. However, he chose to pursue swimming, becoming the first swimmer in his family. He joined the Energy Standard Swim Club in Turkey and is coached by James Gibson from Great Britain.

Injuries and Challenges

Throughout his career, Le Clos faced several injuries. In October 2021, a shoulder injury kept him from competing in Budapest's World Cup event. The following month, a knee injury prevented him from participating in the ISL semifinal in Eindhoven.

In May 2020, he underwent surgery to remove a cyst on his foot and treat long-term abdominal pain. This kept him from training for seven weeks. He also dealt with a groin injury before the 2019 World Championships and an Achilles tendon injury in early 2014.

Awards and Achievements

Le Clos has received numerous accolades. He was the flag bearer for South Africa at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. In 2018, SwimSwam magazine named him African Swimmer of the Year. He also won the Best Male Swimmer of the Year at FINA's World Aquatics Gala in Hangzhou.

He was named South African Sportsman of the Year in both 2018 and 2014. Additionally, he received the Best Male Athlete award at the 2016 World Short Course Championships in Windsor, Canada.

Milestones

Le Clos made history by becoming the first South African athlete to win more than three Olympic medals. He achieved this by claiming silver in the 100m butterfly at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games. He also won five medals at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, bringing his total Commonwealth Games medal tally to 17.

Mental Health Journey

Le Clos has been open about his struggles with depression during the Tokyo Olympics. He began therapy after the Olympics and has since made significant progress. "I was super depressed," he said. "It wasn't about swimming; it was about my future and me."

Other Activities

Le Clos serves as an ambassador for the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). In April 2018, he opened the Chad Le Clos Academy in Cape Town. Later that year, he launched the Chad Le Clos Foundation to support and develop swimming in South Africa.

Future Ambitions

Looking ahead, Le Clos aims to win a gold medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. His dedication to swimming and his resilience through challenges make him a prominent figure in sports.

Le Clos resides in Durban with his partner Jeanni Mulder, who placed in the top five of the 2021 Miss South Africa beauty pageant. His journey continues to inspire many aspiring athletes worldwide.