NATIONAL NEWS - South African swimming hero and Olympics champion Chad le Clos describes himself as “just a normal guy who loves his family”, but time with his parents and younger brother is hard-earned.
In addition to training and competing, he attends corporate gigs and even has his own fashion label.
Here are 10 facts about Chad you may like to know.
1. He’s an endurance sportsman
Chad swims 60–65km a week, and up to 85–90km a week in hard training.
On average, Chad spends 24 hours a week in the pool.
2. What he dislikes
He doesn’t like to be in the dark during load shedding.
He can’t stand mushrooms.
3. When to get him on the phone
Chad only uses his cellphone on weekends because “mental tiredness is more taxing than physical tiredness”.
4. How he relaxes
Chad plays Fifa games on his PlayStation and is a Manchester United fan.
5. Best place to spot him out and about
He takes year-end holidays in Cape Town.
6. He’s an early bird
Chad regularly wakes up at 5.30am.
7. Typical meal
Steak with salad.
8. What he sacrifices for swimming
“I used to play soccer, but I haven’t kicked a ball in about five years. I do nothing to jeopardise my training. It’s a full time job and there are no weekends off.”
9. Sporting heroes
Of all former and current sportsmen, he would love to train with footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and former world heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali.
10. Future goals
Come August 2016 at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium in Rio, the Butterfly Boss wants a showdown with arch-rival Michael Phelps from USA. Here's how he describes it: “It’s going to be Muhammad Ali versus Joe Frazier”.
1. He’s an endurance sportsman
Chad swims 60–65km a week, and up to 85–90km a week in hard training.
On average, Chad spends 24 hours a week in the pool.
2. What he dislikes
He doesn’t like to be in the dark during load shedding.
He can’t stand mushrooms.
3. When to get him on the phone
Chad only uses his cellphone on weekends because “mental tiredness is more taxing than physical tiredness”.
4. How he relaxes
Chad plays Fifa games on his PlayStation and is a Manchester United fan.
5. Best place to spot him out and about
He takes year-end holidays in Cape Town.
6. He’s an early bird
Chad regularly wakes up at 5.30am.
7. Typical meal
Steak with salad.
8. What he sacrifices for swimming
“I used to play soccer, but I haven’t kicked a ball in about five years. I do nothing to jeopardise my training. It’s a full time job and there are no weekends off.”
9. Sporting heroes
Of all former and current sportsmen, he would love to train with footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and former world heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali.
10. Future goals
Come August 2016 at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium in Rio, the Butterfly Boss wants a showdown with arch-rival Michael Phelps from USA. Here's how he describes it: “It’s going to be Muhammad Ali versus Joe Frazier”.
