Chad le Clos Reveals He Fought for Gold for His Mom
South African swimmer Chad le Clos opened up in a press conference in Hungary last night after his incredible win in the 200m butterfly race, reclaiming the world champion title. He admitted that his tears as he received his gold medal were for his family, especially his mother who he thought he would lose to […]
South African swimmer Chad le Clos opened up in a press conference in Hungary last night after his incredible win in the 200m butterfly race, reclaiming the world champion title. He admitted that his tears as he received his gold medal were for his family, especially his mother who he thought he would lose to cancer last year.
Despite local Hungarian hero, László Cseh, being the crowd favourite at the 2017 Fina World Championships, a determined Chad le Clos swam to victory in 1:53.33
Chad laughed during a press conference afterwards, saying that it was “probably the best support I’ve ever heard, even though 99% wasn’t for me!… The crowd was unreal and I felt like I was in a football stadium… I am very thankful and lucky that I touched home first.”
He said “it was a very emotional event, before, during and after the race for me. I’m honoured to be here, representing my country” and admitted that despite his experience “I was pretty nervous before the race”.
As Chad stood on the podium, with tears running down his face – even though he’d told his dad he was going to try not to cry if he won – the camera panned to his father Bert… who was also crying.
“It was unbelievable,” said Chad. “I try not to be emotional… but it’s such a beautiful event, and especially with the hard year I had with my family – both [my parents] had very bad cancer last year, and we didn’t know if my mom was going to make it.
“So more importantly than the gold medal is my parents’ health.
“My mom pulled through because she’s a fighter. Tonight I fought for her and my family…”
“My mom pulled through because she’s a fighter. Tonight I fought for her and my family… so I’m very happy.”
Of his competitor, Laszlo, Chad said the “Hungarian King” has become a “great friend” since they first met in South Africa in 2010 during a training camp.
Chad said: “He’s a great champion – in and out of the water.”
László added during the press conference that “with Chad we are rivals in the water but friends in life. We can have fun outside the pool and I think it is important not to hate your rivals in the pool.”