The South African swimming champion has made history once again after winning the men’s 200m Butterfly final during the FINA Swimming World Cup at OCBC Aquatic Centre in Singapore this past weekend.
Le Clos also took home an easy R2.1 million bonus for finishing the World Cup Series as the top-ranked male swimmer in Singapore on Sunday.
The swimmer regained the crown he’s held three times before, in 2011, 2013 and 2014. This World Cup series win moves him ahead of fellow South African swimmer Cameron van der Burgh who held three. Le Clos is one win short of beating the current record of five, held by Hungarian female star Katinka Hosszu.
South Africa boasts the most series wins across both genders with an impressive nine victories. SA is followed by Sweden, with six wins. Hungary currently holds five and the US four.
SA’s other two victories were won by Ryk Neethling in the 2004/05 and 2005/06 seasons.
Le Clos said he’s excited for his next big gala, the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, next year.
“The money’s great, of course, but also this series was about getting some hard racing in with the best like today with Vlad [Morozov, the Russian runner-up who won the overall men’s title last year],” Le Clos said in the Straits Times.
“Now I’m excited for the Commonwealth Games,” he added.
Photography Chad le Clos on Instagram