Chad le Clos, South African swimming elite, saw heated waters at the South African National Aquatic Championship in Gqeberha recently.
The second day of the championships saw le Clos out-swim the lot, including young blood, 17-year-old Ethan du Preez in the men’s 200m butterfly. le Clos soared to a stunning finish, hailing the title in an Olympic Qualification time of 1:55.88. du Preez on the other hand, earned his silver medal with an Olympic Qualification time of 1:56.44.
Ross Hartigan brought home the bronze in 2:01.73.
The men’s 100m freestyle final saw 17-year-old Matthew States as the victor with a 49.29 (just a mere 0.72 seconds short of the required qualification time of 48.57). Matthew Bosch and Douglas Erasmus took second and third place respectively with times of 50.65 and 50.77.
As for our women heroes of the waters: the women’s 100m freestyle saw Erin Gallagher stop the clock at 54.89, beating Aimee Canny by a stealthy 0.02. Emma Chelius sailed into third at 55.04.
The women’s 200m butterfly crowned Dune Coetzee at 2:13.87. Trinity Hearne grabbed second place at 2:16.64, and Leigh McMorran rounded up the podium at a time of 2:19.09.
The championships will cease on the 12th of April.
Our athletes are definitely setting fire to the waters this year!
Picture: @Chadleclos92