Ten facts about Chad Le Clos you may not know

15 September 2015 - 16:19 By Staff Reporter
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South African swimming hero and Olympics champion Chad le Clos describes himself as “just a normal guy who loves his family”, but time with his parents and younger brother is hard-earned. In addition to training and competing, he attends corporate gigs and even has his own fashion label.

Would you like the opportunity to find out more about Chad? Email your questions to The Times sports editor Andile Ndlovu

In the meantime, here are 10 facts about Chad you may like to know, sourced by Discovery Vitality, for which Chad le Clos has recently become an ambassador and coach, in order to encourage future generations of fitter South Africans..

1. He’s an endurance sportsman

Chad swims 60–65km a week, and up to 85–90km a week in hard training.

On average, Chad spends 24 hours a week in the pool.

He is away from home for about four-and-a-half months a year.

2. What he dislikes

He doesn’t like to be in the dark during load shedding.

He can’t stand mushrooms.

3. When to get him on the phone

Chad only uses his cellphone on weekends because “mental tiredness is more taxing than physical tiredness”.

4. How he relaxes

Chad plays Fifa games on his PlayStation and is a Manchester United fan.

5. Best place to spot him out and about

He takes year-end holidays in Cape Town.

6. He’s an early bird

Chad regularly wakes up at 5.30am.

7. Typical meal

Steak with salad.

8. What he sacrifices for swimming

“I used to play soccer, but I haven’t kicked a ball in about five years. I do nothing to jeopardise my training. It’s a full time job and there are no weekends off.”

9. Sporting heroes

Of all former and current sportsmen, he would love to train with footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and former world heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali.

10. Future goals

Come August 2016 at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium in Rio, the Butterfly Boss wants a showdown with arch-rival Michael Phelps from USA. Here's how he describes it: “It’s going to be Muhammad Ali versus Joe Frazier”.

Source:Discovery Vitality, for which Chad le Clos has recently become an ambassador and coach, in order to encourage future generations of fitter South Africans.

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