Chad le Clos at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Image: IOL.
(The Post News)- Chad le Clos, a mainstay of South African swimming, is heading a formidable team for the 2024 Short Course World Championships in Budapest this December.
In Durban’s recent South African Short Course Championships, Le Clos showcased his skill and experience by qualifying in both the 100m freestyle and 50m butterfly. With a time of 46.91 seconds, he narrowly secured victory over young talent Ruard van Renen, who also achieved a qualifying time, proving himself a rising star to watch. Le Clos later comfortably clinched his second qualifying spot in the 50-meter butterfly, finishing in 22.40 seconds.
Admitting that he often feels anxious for his opening races, Le Clos highlighted his focus and strategy, which helped him clinch these wins. His younger competitor Van Renen nearly took the lead in the freestyle event, underscoring his potential as he celebrated his first senior-level A qualification—a significant milestone.
Rebecca Meder, another standout swimmer, surprised many by winning the 100-meter breaststroke in 1:05.82, an event outside her main focus. She also dominated the 100-meter individual medley, showing South Africa’s depth of talent for the upcoming championships. Other hopefuls like Jessica Thompson and Caitlin de Lange came close to qualifying times, reflecting the competitive drive among South Africa’s swimmers.
Expectations are high as the team looks ahead to the competition in Budapest, where they will face some of the world’s best swimmers. For Le Clos, this event is a chance to build on his impressive career and bring home medals for South Africa. With veterans like him leading the charge and promising new talent making their mark, the team is well-positioned for a strong showing on the international stage.
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