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Chad le Clos on becoming Commonwealth Games GOAT

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Adnaan Mohamed

Chad le Clos has spent 16 years collecting Commonwealth Games medals. On day two in Glasgow 2026 he collected the one that elevated him above every male athlete in the event’s history.

The colour hardly mattered.

South Africa’s men’s 4x100m freestyle relay quartet claimed bronze behind Australia and England, with Le Clos producing a blistering 48.29-second anchor split to steer Team SA onto the podium at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre.

Commonwealth Games bronze medalists Pieter Coetze, Guy Brooks, Ruard van Renen and Chad le Clos of Team South Africa after the Men’s 4x100m Freestyle Relay Final. Photo: Getty Images

The medal was the 19th Commonwealth Games medal of Le Clos’ extraordinary career, making the 34-year-old the most decorated male athlete in the history of the Games.

It is a record that has been 5,772 days in the making.

Le Clos opened his Commonwealth account with gold in New Delhi in October 2010. Since then he has amassed five medals in India, seven in Glasgow in 2014, five on the Gold Coast in 2018, one in Birmingham in 2022 and now the history-making bronze back in Glasgow.

The relay medal was no ceremonial farewell.

Le Clos delivered the fastest split of the South African quartet, finishing ahead of teammates Pieter Coetze, Guy Brooks and Ruard van Renen on the anchor leg to underline his enduring quality.

Although celebrated globally for his butterfly exploits, the Durban swimmer has long proved his versatility. He won Olympic silver in the 200m freestyle at Rio 2016 and Commonwealth silver in the 100m freestyle two years later.

Eight of his 19 Commonwealth medals have now come in relay events, with his overall tally standing at seven gold, four silver and eight bronze medals.

An emotional Le Clos immediately shifted the spotlight onto his teammates, two of whom collected their first senior international medals.

“I couldn’t have done it without the boys, everyone pulled their weight tonight. The nerves were definitely there, we needed the medal, and do it for South Africa. It capped off a phenomenal night for the swimmers.

“I’m obviously delighted to get medal No.19, and it’s something I’ve been chasing for eight years. I’m super proud. It was 12 years ago when I was a 22-year-old and we got a medal in this event, and Roland Schoeman was 34. Now, I’m 34 and there are youngsters in this team who have incredible futures.”

Le Clos joked that he has become the shortest and oldest swimmer in another South African relay team that has etched its name into the history books.

“I was very nervous tonight, probably the most nervous of the four boys. But I knew once Pieter dived in that we’d do it. Guy and Ruard were incredible and two of them were winning their first senior medals.

“My dad was in tears… it’s all very emotional. I’ve never given up and there’s been a lot of dark times. I’m a dog in a dogfight though and once I’m in one I give it everything.”

For an athlete who has inspired generations of South African swimmers, medal No.19 felt like another finish and the perfect full circle. The teenager who burst onto the Commonwealth stage in 2010 is now the veteran leading the next wave, with a place in history that is unlikely to be challenged anytime soon.

Midmar champions chasing bigger tides in California

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By Adnaan Mohamed

Elite sport rarely follows a straight lane. It is shaped by cold mornings, lonely kilometres and competitions that matter long before medals are on the line. That is where South Africa’s reigning aQuellé Midmar Mile champions, Callan Lotter and Matthew Caldwell, find themselves as the country’s swimmers begin their Commonwealth Games campaign in Glasgow this week.

Their immediate focus lies further west, with selection for next month’s Pan Pacific Championships in Irvine, California offering another important marker on the road to international relevance.

From 12 to 15 August, two of South Africa’s brightest distance swimmers will compete against some of the strongest fields in world swimming. The meeting is more than another championship. It is an opportunity to measure progress, expose weaknesses and gain the type of experience that cannot be replicated in training pools at home.

For Lotter, the reigning women’s Midmar Mile champion, the occasion carries added significance.

Callan Lotter Credit Action Photo SA

“It will be my first Pan Pacific Championships and I’m extremely excited,” she said. “It’s a huge opportunity to race against some of the best swimmers in the world and gain valuable international experience while representing South Africa.”

She will contest the 10km open water race together with the 400m, 800m and 1500m freestyle events, embracing a programme that mirrors her growing versatility.

Lotter also sees California as an early reconnaissance mission ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games.

“Being able to compete in California gives me experience with the travel, time zone, environment and overall international racing atmosphere, which will be valuable preparation for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.”

Caldwell, who claimed the men’s Midmar Mile title earlier this year, will make his own Pan Pacific debut across the 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m freestyle disciplines.

“It’s my first time competing at Pan Pacs. I am over the moon to be going there,” he said. “It’s a very big competition for me and to be racing the top athletes is very, very cool. I can learn a lot from it.”

He believes familiarity with the environment could prove invaluable when Olympic qualification and medals become the focus.

“It’ll be very good to be that side and experiencing how everything works, so it’s not a big shock when two years come by.”

Both swimmers acknowledge that preparing through South Africa’s winter has demanded discipline.

“Training has been going really well,” said Lotter. “The winter months are definitely challenging, but we’ve stayed consistent and focused on the bigger picture.”

Caldwell echoed that view.

“Once you’ve got a goal in mind, it makes it a lot easier to be training through the cold mornings, cold afternoons.”

That bigger picture still includes Midmar. South Africa’s iconic open water event remains a proving ground where elite ambitions intersect with community participation.

“Midmar is always a major goal, so the build-up will involve a strong training block,” said Lotter.

Caldwell added: “From December I’ll be building up until Midmar. I’m very excited to be racing there again.”

Entries for the 2027 aQuellé Midmar Mile, scheduled for 11 to 14 February, are already open. While thousands will gather at Midmar Dam for the challenge, Lotter and Caldwell offer a reminder that the event is more than a sporting tradition. It remains one of South African swimming’s most reliable springboards to the international stage.

Kavanagh shifts focus to Commonwealth Games after Durban SPAR victory

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Adnaan Mohamed

Tayla Kavanagh has no intention of being distracted by a growing SPAR Grand Prix lead.

The Hollywood Athletics Club star is enjoying the richest vein of form of her career, but Sunday’s commanding victory in Durban merely confirmed where her attention lies. The Commonwealth Games 5 000m in Glasgow is the next target. After that, Glenrose Xaba’s South African 10km road record moves firmly into view.

Kavanagh underlined her credentials with another front-running display in the second leg of the SPAR Grand Prix series, clocking 31:32 after leading from gun to tape. The performance trimmed one second off the 31:33 she recorded while winning the opening race in Cape Town in March.

Ethiopia’s Selam Gebre stayed within striking distance before finishing second in 31:45, while Kavanagh’s Hollywood teammate Neheng Khatala completed the podium in 32:08.

The victory added another chapter to a remarkable season. The 25-year-old lowered her personal best to 31:26 at the Sanlam Cape Town 10km Peace Run in May, secured a third successive title in that race and swept to national crowns over 5 000m and 10 000m at the South African Championships in Stellenbosch.

Despite opening a healthy advantage in the SPAR standings, Kavanagh says the series title is not driving her schedule.

“My focus is on the Commonwealth Games. I have one more 10K and then all eyes are on the Commonwealth Games,” she said.

“I haven’t committed to any other SPAR races yet, so I can’t tell you if I’ll be trying to win the whole series. I’m trying to participate in the ones that I can.”

Durban presented a different challenge to Cape Town, where Kavanagh spent much of the race chasing Glenrose Xaba. This time she dictated the pace from the front and trusted her instincts.

“I was quite proud of how I managed to relax within the race, constantly checking in with myself and how my body was reacting.”

“Selam and I had a really good race. At the 9km mark I still felt I had something left in the legs, so I tried to open up. I was really happy with how it played out.”

While Glasgow has become her immediate destination, the national record remains the long-term prize.

Xaba’s South African 10km road record of 31:12, set in Durban in 2024 when she erased Elana Meyer’s 23-year-old mark, has become the benchmark Kavanagh wants to reach.

“I’d love to get there this season. Hopefully by the end of 2026 I can reach that goal or see how close we can get,” she said.

“I know on a good day, if everything comes together, I have a good chance. It’s a matter of time. It’s in God’s hands when it happens, but it’s something I do want to chase.”

The stopwatch has become Kavanagh’s toughest opponent.

If her current trajectory continues, Glasgow could provide another springboard before she takes aim at one of South African road running’s most treasured records.

SPAR GRAND PRIX 10KM RESULTS – DURBAN

Results of the Durban leg of the SPAR Grand Prix Series on Sunday, 28 June 2026.

Open: 1 Tayla Kavanagh (Hollywood) 31:32, 2 Selam Gebre (Nedbank) 31:45, 3 Neheng Khatala (Hollywood) 32:09, 4 Cacisile Sosibo (Boxer) 32:16, 5 Karabo More (Boxer) 32:44, 6 Zanthe Taljaard (Boxer) 34:11, 7 Olga Firsova (N/A) 34:23, 8 Ntsoaki Molahloe (N/A) 34:35, 9 Karabo Mailula (Boxer) 34:52, 10 Loveness Madziva (Nedbank) 35:11

U20: 1 Leah Edwards (Tuks) 37:40, 2 Chanel Groenewald (Boxer) 37:45, 3 Alexis Hewitt (DERT) 38:38

40-49: 1 Olga Firsova (N/A) 34:23, 2 Makhosazane Mhlongo (N/A) 37:22, 3 Janie Grundling (Peak Performance) 37:34

50-59: 1 Tanith Maxwell (N/A) 39:51, 2 Janene Carey (Boxer) 40:43, 3 Maya Lawrie (Boxer) 43:24

60-69: 1 Judy Bird (Boxer) 41:57, 2 Dalene Sonnekus (Nedbank) 43:55, 3 Ezna Flattery (Nedbank) 45:01

70+: 1 Blanche Moila (N/A) 55:51, 2 Pat Fisher (Stella) 59:05, 3 Johanna Taljaard (Amanzimtoti) 1:12:50

Trio Secure Commonwealth Berths at SA Swimming Nationals

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By Adnaan Mohamed

South Africa’s elite swimmers wasted little time diving into qualification mode as the SA National Swimming Championships in Gqeberha produced a trio of early Commonwealth Games qualifiers, with Aimee Canny, Pieter Coetzé (pictured above) and Ruard van Renen slicing through the water with purpose.

At the Newton Park Swimming Pool, where every stroke carries the weight of Glasgow selection, the opening exchanges had the urgency of a final-length sprint. Coetzé, already riding a wave of confidence this season, once again proved why he is the country’s backstroke standard-bearer, delivering a performance that ticked the qualifying box with controlled authority.

World champion Coetzé had already made sure of his Commonwealth qualifying time in the morning heats, where he swam 53.13 seconds in the 100m backstroke. He went even quicker in the evening final, thanks to a strong challenge from Ruard van Renen. Coetzé claimed the title in 52.40 seconds, with Van Renen second in 53.61, also under the required qualifying time.

“I just wanted to see what I can do, get on the team firstly, and then just see what happens. I think that’s by far the fastest I’ve been at Nationals or at this time of the year, so it’s a very good sign,” said Coetzé afterwards, adding that he was pushed to a faster time by Van Renen next to him.

“I wasn’t sure what kind of form he was in, so I didn’t know what was going to happen and then after the turn, I just saw him pop up next to me, and I was like, ‘Okay, he’s looking good. I’m going to have to push.’ I’m super glad he got it, it’s been a long time coming for him,” added the 21-year-old.

If Coetzé’s swim was measured, Van Renen’s was a surge of raw intent, powering through his race like a swimmer chasing the wall in the final metres of a relay. His qualifying time underlined his growing stature in the national setup, marking him as one to watch as the season gathers pace.

Canny, meanwhile, cut through the field with the precision of a perfectly timed dive, her swim sealing a well-earned place among the early qualifiers. Calm and composed, she turned preparation into performance when it mattered most.

The 22-year-old achieved qualifying times in the 200m freestyle and the 100m breaststroke.  She first claimed a dominant victory in the 200m freestyle, speeding to victory in a time of 1 minute 56.64 to not only secure a place on the team but also better her own national and continental record, set at the SA Championships in the same pool back in 2024.

She was back in the pool around half an hour later for the final of the 100m breaststroke, where she saw off challenges from Simone Moll, Kaylene Corbett, and defending champion Rebecca Meder to win in another qualifying time of 1:06.57.

Aimee Canny Photo: Swimming SA

“I think I’m happy that [the freestyle] was first because breaststroke was kind of more of a wildcard, you could say, just because I do a lot of freestyle training. But I’m super happy with that,” said Canny afterwards.

“I’ve kind of always been training breaststroke, but this year I’ve changed training groups and done a lot more distance and a lot more 200 breast… So I was really excited for this coming in.”

As for achieving the qualifying time in the breaststroke, the University of Virginia student added: “I don’t know if I was expecting that. I knew I could get close to that, just wasn’t sure how close I would have got after that 200 freestyle.”

The women’s 100m backstroke title was won by Olivia Nel, who just missed the Commonwealth Games qualifying time by 0.37 of a second after winning in 1:00.83.

“I’ve had a very long season. There’s always the expectation of wanting [the qualifying time]. I gave my best in that race, and I executed it much better than this morning. As a technical swim, it was way better. So I’ll take the wins where I can take the wins,” said the North Carolina-based swimmer, who still has the 50m backstroke and the 50 and 100m freestyle to come this week.

Other winners on the night were 18-year-old Kris Mihaylov, who claimed the men’s 200m freestyle title in 1:48.24 and Chris Smith, who overcame a slow start to successfully defend his 100m breaststroke title, winning in a time of 1:00.36.

Swimming action at the Bombela Concession Company SA Swimming Championships continues at the Newton Park Swimming Pool in Gqeberha on Wednesday.

Race to Glasgow begins at SA National Swimming Championships

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By Adnaan Mohamed

South Africa’s premier swimmers are ready to dive into deep waters as the Bombela Concession Company SA National Swimming Championships splash into action in Gqeberha from 14–18 April.

With national titles up for grabs and coveted qualification spots for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow hanging like a finish-line touchpad, the stakes could hardly be higher.

Hosted at the Newton Park Swimming Pool, the five-day meet forms the heartbeat of the domestic season, where dreams either glide forward or sink beneath the surface. For many, its about striking the right rhythm to secure selection for Team SA.

Leading the surge is backstroke ace Pieter Coetzé, who arrives riding a wave of momentum after a clean sweep at the China Open. The University of Pretoria star has been slicing through the water with the precision of a well-timed tumble turn.

“With China going very well, I think it was a good indicator that I’m on track to perform well at Nationals and see if I can build on that for the rest of the season. It was a good place to start,” said Coetzé.

“I’m hoping to just get some good performances on the board and obviously qualify for the team. But just improving on my performances in China and my performances in previous years at Nationals will be something that I’ll be happy with for Nationals this year.

“It is just a qualification competition, so I’m not hoping to peak or anything like that. I just want to get the job done and make the team.”

Coetzé’s programme includes the 50m, 100m and 200m backstroke, alongside the 50m and 100m freestyle.

Veteran campaigner Chad le Clos is also back on the blocks, targeting a remarkable fifth Commonwealth Games appearance. Like a seasoned swimmer pacing a long race, he is balancing confidence with caution after limited long-course racing since the Olympics.

“I’m really excited for next week. I haven’t swum many long-course races since the Olympics. I think I’ve only done one. So, I’m a little nervous, I’m not going to lie,” admitted Le Clos.

“But I feel good and confident, as I always do. I’m definitely ready as I’ve had a good build-up, and everything’s gone really well.

“I’m feeling really confident for the butterfly. It’s just naturally what I’m pretty good at. I’ve been working on my speed and my power, and I’m the strongest I’ve ever been physically in the gym. Hopefully, that will translate.”

Le Clos will contest the 50m and 100m butterfly, as well as the 50m freestyle.

In the women’s ranks, Lara van Niekerk returns with quiet assurance, her stroke efficiency honed to razor sharpness.

“It’s been going well, taper has been good, sharpening up on all the little things,” she said.

“⁠I’m hoping to qualify for the Commonwealth Games and just enjoy myself and execute my race plans as best I can.”

She lines up in the 50m and 100m breaststroke, where she will face fierce competition from Rebecca Meder and Kaylene Corbett. Meder, fuelled by unfinished business after illness at last year’s World Championships, is approaching the meet with renewed hunger.

“My training has been going really well,” said Meder. “We’re looking forward to Nationals. Obviously, eyes are set on the Commonwealth Games, so Nationals is just getting the work done and trying to secure my spot on that team and put some solid times on the database.

“Commonwealth Games is a very big one in my eyes this year, especially after last year’s world champs. I think it was a bit of a bitter taste after world champs, knowing how on-form I was, but then unfortunately getting sick 12 to 24 hours before that 200 breaststroke with the gastro bug that the Americans brought in.

“I was really disappointed and walked back feeling quite unsatisfied… I feel like this year I’m fired up and ready to go for Commonwealth Games. I’m hungry and I am really wanting to achieve well there.”

Also in the mix are Erin Gallagher, Jessica Thompson and Chris Smith, each aiming to carve their own lane to Glasgow.

The Para ranks add further depth, led by Christian Sadie, whose performances continue to ripple across the continent.

“I’ve been really happy with the progress that I’ve been making in the past year since coming back from world champs,” said Sadie.

“We changed a few things going into world champs last year and I think we’re reaping the benefits now of being able to tune them quite well.

“I did get a little bit sick, and I was a little bit worried because I was out for about two weeks with Covid, but I think I bounced back a lot quicker than I thought I would. So I’m actually really looking forward to Nationals. I’m feeling really good in the water.”

Team Sheets (Selected Entries)

  • Pieter Coetzé: 50m, 100m, 200m Backstroke; 50m, 100m Freestyle
  • Chad le Clos: 50m, 100m Butterfly; 50m Freestyle
  • Lara van Niekerk: 50m, 100m Breaststroke
  • Rebecca Meder: 200m Individual Medley; 50m, 100m, 200m Breaststroke
  • Kaylene Corbett: Breaststroke events
  • Erin Gallagher: Sprint freestyle/butterfly
  • Jessica Thompson: Sprint backstroke
  • Chris Smith: Breaststroke
  • Christian Sadie: 50m Freestyle, 50m Butterfly, 100m Breaststroke, 100m Backstroke, 200m Individual Medley

Heats begin daily at 9:30am, with finals diving in at 5pm.

Simbine and Van Niekerk headline SA squad for Commonwealth Games 2026

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By Adnaan Mohamed

Akani Simbine, South Africa’s 100m record holder, headlines a squad that features nine other national record holder for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, set to take place in Glasgow, Scotland, from 23 July to 6 August.

The group has been trimmed from the initial 72 athletes announced in December, with the latest selection comprising 44 men and 24 women as preparations intensify.

Among those included are three athletes who reached the podium at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham: 100m star Simbine, long jumper Jovan van Vuuren and 400m hurdles specialist Zenéy Geldenhuys.

Wayde van Niekerk, the world record holder over 400m, has been selected in the 200m, while Tshepo Tshite (1500m), Adriaan Wildschutt (10,000m), Antonio Alkana (110m hurdles), Luvo Manyonga (long jump), Marioné Fourie (100m hurdles), Miné de Klerk (shot put), and marathon runners Elroy Gelant and Glenrose Xaba are also among the country’s record holders in the squad.

The provisional team further includes Olympic silver medallist Jo-Ané du Plessis (javelin), former world indoor champion Prudence Sekgodiso (800m), and ultra-distance specialist Gerda Steyn.

The final team to travel to Scotland will be confirmed at a later stage by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC).

ASA provisional Commonwealth Games squad

Men:
Akani Simbine (100m/4x100m), Shaun Maswanganyi (100m/4x100m), Gift Leotlela (100m/4x100m), Abduraghmaan Karriem (100m/4x100m), Retshidisitswe Mlenga (100m/4x100m), Tsebo Matsoso (100m/4x100m), Karabo Letebele (100m/4x100m), Bradley Nkoana (100m/4x100m), Bayanda Walaza (100m/4x100m), Sinesipho Dambile (200m/4x100m), Wayde van Niekerk (200m/4x400m), Naeem Jack (200m), Leendert Koekemoer (400m/4x400m), Matt Nortjé (400m/4x400m), Udeme Okon (400m/4x400m), Zakithi Nene (400m/4x400m), Lythe Pillay (400m/4x400m), Gardeo Isaacs (400m/4x400m), Mthi Mthimkulu (400m/4x400m), Tumisang Shezi (400m/4x400m), Tshepo Tshite (1500m), Ryan Mphahlele (1500m), Adriaan Wildschutt (10,000m), Antonio Alkana (110m hurdles), Mondray Barnard (110m hurdles), John Adesola (110m hurdles), Njabulo Mbatha (400m hurdles), Sabelo Dhlamini (400m hurdles), Jovan van Vuuren (long jump), Cheswill Johnson (long jump), Luvo Manyonga (long jump), Kyle Blignaut (shot put), Aiden Smith (shot put), Victor Hogan (discus), Brian Raats (high jump), Kyle Rademeyer (pole vault), Douw Smith (javelin), Elroy Gelant (marathon), Adam Lipschitz (marathon), Thabang Mosiako (marathon), Tumelo Motlagale (marathon), Melikhaya Frans (marathon), Regan Magwai (marathon), Bennett Seloyi (marathon).

Women:
Miranda Coetzee (400m/4x400m), Shirley Nekhubui (400m/4x400m), Precious Molepo (400m/4x400m), Zenéy Geldenhuys (400m hurdles/4x400m), Hannah van Niekerk (400m hurdles/4x400m), Rogail Joseph (400m hurdles/4x400m), Marlie Viljoen (400m/4x400m), Prudence Sekgodiso (800m), Aviwe Hoboloshe (800m), Charné du Plessis (800m), Marioné Fourie (100m hurdles), Danielle Nolte (long jump), Miré Reinstorf (pole vault), Miné de Klerk (shot put), Ashley Erasmus (shot put), Colette Uys (shot put), Jo-Ané du Plessis (javelin), Mckyla van der Westhuizen (javelin), Jana van Schalkwyk (javelin), Jessica Groenewald (35km walk), Glenrose Xaba (marathon), Cian Oldknow (marathon), Dominique Scott-Efurd (marathon), Gerda Steyn (marathon).