Chad will be ‘shaven, tapered and rested’ for the 100m freestyle
JOHANNESBURG: Chad le Clos’ record-breaking bid at the Commonwealth Games has been given a slight boost thanks to a change to the programme at 2018 Gold Coast, which kicks off on Wednesday.
The London 2012 Olympic gold medallist is aiming to become the most decorated swimmer at the Commonwealth Games where he hopes to extend his total tally to 18 or more.
He has won a total of 12 medals over two editions of the quadrennial showpiece.
Although he had entered for five individual events, he had not planned on swimming the 100m freestyle as it would have jeopardised his chances at winning gold in his pet 200m butterfly event.
“The programme changed, and I also qualified for the 100m freestyle, I always enter in case of stuff like this, I didn’t know the programme changed about a month ago,” Le Clos said.
Le Clos is also entered the 4x100m, 4x200m freestyle and 4x100m medley relays which could see him reach the milestone.
The South African will be targeting a clean sweep of the butterfly events – the 50m, 100m and 200m – while he will also be aiming at a 200m freestyle medal.
“I am definitely going to be doing the 100m freestyle, I’ve always wanted to swim the 100m freestyle final against top opposition, shaven, tapered and rested,” Le Clos said.
While Le Clos is considered one of the greatest butterfly swimmers of all time, he has been untested in the 100m freestyle at a major championship.
Boasting a personal best 100m freestyle time of 48.16 seconds he clocked at the French leg of the 2015 FINA Swimming World Cup, he would have to get close to his PB to challenge for a medal going up against a quality Australian contingent lead by Kyle Chalmers, who clocked the exact same time at their trials in February.
Meanwhile, London 2012 Olympic champion Cameron van der Burgh will be looking to bow out of his final Commonwealth Games with a bang.
Van der Burgh has won two consecutive 50m breaststroke gold medals, and a third would be the cherry on top of a stellar run since Delhi 2010 where he also won the 100m title.
“This is going to be a special one to me, it is going to be my last Commonwealth Games before I probably retire after Tokyo 2020,” Van der Burgh said. “So, I am taking this one with quite a bit of seriousness but also enjoyment, just taking in the team environment. I am looking forward to just seeing the flag raised and singing the anthem one last time.”
Van der Burgh said he had a special place in his heart reserved for the Commonwealth Games as it boosted his confidence ahead of the London Olympics.
“This is my third one which is very exciting but looking back to Delhi it was one of the most exciting Games as well because it is a little bit more relaxing compared to the Olympics,” he said. “It is a place where you can really form a nice foundation moving forward to the next Olympics. 2010 really helped me to springboard my career by winning two gold medals heading to London where I got the gold.”