Chad le Clos managing arm injury in Paris
South Africa’s Chad le Clos is entered in the men’s 100m butterfly at the Paris Olympics 2024, but isn’t at 100% fitness.
South African swimmer Chad le Clos is competing in the men’s 100m butterfly at the Paris 2024 Olympics, though he’s not at full fitness.
Enjoy the Paris Olympic Games 2024 experience at your favourite ATKV Resort!
According to the SwimSwam website, the 32-year-old four-time Olympic medal-winner recently confirmed that he is suffering from a muscle injury heading into what is his fourth Olympic Games.
“I had a bit of an incident,” he said of a training mishap.
“I had a small tear in my upper trap, but everything is good. I’m lucky to have amazing doctors and physios in the national team.
“We’re doing everything we can. I’ve had a great, great camp and I’m in fantastic shape. May the best three guys win on the day.”
Chad le Clos memorably beat Michael Phelps in London
Veteran Le Clos introduced himself to the world at the London Olympics in 2012 where he beat American legend Michael Phelps in the 200m butterfly.
He also claimed silver in the 100m butterfly.
Le Clos followed up with 200m freestyle and 100m butterfly silver medals in Rio de Janeiro four years later, but came home empty-handed at the delayed Tokyo Olympics.
Le Clos will face stiff opposition in the 100m butterfly in Paris from Hungarian Kristof Milak, Canadian Josh Liendo, American Caeleb Dressel among others.
Le Clos is considered a rank outsider for a medal – or to even make the final – and is currently ranked outside the top 30 athletes in the world this season.
He will swim in the second of the five heats on Friday, 2 August at 11:03 (SA time).
Compatriot Matthew Sates has been drawn in the same heat.
The top 16 swimmers will progress to the semi-finals later in the day at 21:00 (SA time).
The final is scheduled for Saturday, 3 August at 20:30 (SA time).
Good luck Chad and Matthew!
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
As a reminder, below are the financial incentives promised by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc).
Individuals
Gold medallists R400 000 and the coach R100 000
Silver medallists R200 000 and the coach R50 000
Bronze medallists R75 000 and the coach R25 000
In addition, as reported by The South African website, new Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, promised that he has a ‘big surprise’ for all Team SA medal winners, suggesting there could be more prize money coming their way.