South African swimmer Chad le Clos has revealed his Cape Town apartment was destroyed in a devastating fire that also claimed the life of a neighbour, just a day after he became the most decorated athlete in Commonwealth Games history.
The 34-year-old had secured his 21st Commonwealth Games medal last week, winning bronze in the men’s 4×100 metres medley relay in Glasgow and surpassing Australia’s Emma McKeon.
This milestone was tragically overshadowed when a fire ripped through his apartment block in the Sea Point suburb of Cape Town.
“It has taken me a while to process this heartbreaking tragedy,” Le Clos posted on Instagram. “On the evening of July 30, amid breaking the all-time Commonwealth record, a fire started in my apartment block, which quickly spread to my home. Sadly my home, where I’ve lived for more than a decade, burnt down and there is nothing left to salvage.”
Le Clos paid tribute to the neighbour who died in the blaze, extending condolences to their family and friends. His Chad le Clos Foundation has since launched a fundraising campaign to support other residents affected by the fire.
His recent bronze was his third medal of the 2026 Games, adding to a silver in the mixed 4x100m medley and another bronze in the men’s 4x100m freestyle relay. His Commonwealth tally now stands at seven gold, five silver, and nine bronze medals across five Games, dating back to his 2010 debut in Delhi.
Le Clos rose to prominence at the 2012 London Olympics, famously beating Michael Phelps to win 200m butterfly gold. His father also shot to fame following his post-race interview with the BBC when he proudly watched highlights of his son’s victory and hailed him as “my beautiful boy”.
Le Clos’ career includes four Olympic medals and four world championships titles. He has shown impressive longevity, winning international medals consistently over the past 14 years, and he may not be done yet.
The world championships are due to be held in Budapest next summer, while Le Clos could also target one final appearance at the Olympics when they head to Los Angeles in 2028.
