Commonwealth Games 2026: South Africa’s Chad le Clos wins historic 19th medal in swimming
Chad le Clos makes history in his fifth Commonwealth Games appearance
South African swimmer Chad le Clos scripted history in the ongoing Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow. He clinched a bronze medal in the men’s 4x100m freestyle relay on Friday. This marked his 19th medal in the tournament, making him the most decorated male athlete in Commonwealth Games history.
“I shouldn’t be crying at bronze,” Le Clos said after the event. “I should be crying at gold, but honestly this means the world.”
Le Clos has won seven gold, four silver and eight bronze medals in the tournament, overtaking the records of Australian shooter Phil Adams and England’s Mick Gault. He currently trails Australian swimmer Emma McKeon, who is the overall most decorated athlete with 20 medals.
However, Le Clos can still add to his medal tally, as he is yet to compete in the 50 m and 100 m butterfly events.
Also Read: Who is the most decorated athlete in Commonwealth Games history?
Chad le Clos’ decorated career so far
Durban-born Le Clos made his CWG debut in the New Delhi 2010 Games, winning five medals, including two golds, at the age of 18. He has built an illustrious career in the tournament over a decade. He won seven and five medals in 2014 and 2018, respectively.
After just one medal – a silver in the 200m butterfly event – in Birmingham 2022, the 35-year-old has already added a bronze to his tally in the Glasgow Games.
He is also a four-time medallist at the Olympic Games, including a gold medal in London 2012. He has also won 16 world championship titles, mainly in the butterfly events.
Where and when will Commonwealth Games 2026 take place?
The Commonwealth Games 2026 will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2.
How many medals has Chad le Clos won at Commonwealth Games?
He has won 19 medals in total – 7 gold, 4 silver, and 8 bronze – across five CWG appearances since his debut in 2010.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.
Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.