Family and friends always believed Chad le Clos had it in him. This comes after le Clos became the surprise winner of the 200 metres butterfly event, after beating the great American Michael Phelps at the London 2012 Games yesterday. Supporters all kitted-out to cheer on the local Durban boy, gathered at a Durban sports club to watch the much-anticipated race. And after his spectacular win, the celebrations knew no end. No matter what happened he’s already a hero to some. Family were joined by friends for the big night in the hope of another possible medal for South Africa in the pool. The faces said it all, lip-biting tension as Le Clos’ every move was watched. For many this must have felt like the longest swim in history. And then the big moment, the disbelief and the joy. Tears flowed and there couldn’t have been a family more proud. No doubt it was a night that will not soon be forgotten.
Chad went into the final with the second fastest time, but everyone thought Phelps would take it comfortably.
Meanwhile as the anthem rang out again, there were tears from Le Clos, his parents, his coach and a whole bunch of supporters. He went into the final with the second fastest time, but everyone thought Phelps would take it comfortably. For 199 metres, that was the case, but a stroke of luck saw the end of the race come with Phelps between strokes. Le Clos pulled himself to the wall, to win by 5 hundredths of second. Phelps did get some revenge an hour later in the 4 by 200 metres freestyle relay. The USA took gold, and the two medals gave Phelps Olympic medals number 18 and 19. This gold medal takes South Africa to 10th on the medals table, ahead of countries such as Great Britain and Australia.
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