Multiple Olympic and Commonwealth Games medalist, Chad le Clos, has launched his new swimming academy in Cape Town. The Chad le Clos Academy aims to transform the way swimming is taught in South Africa from beginner to elite level.
Le Clos aims to open other academies around the country and revolutionise swimming and produce the next generation of champions.
The programme will focus on stroke development and fitness for swimmers aged five to adults. Kathryn Nurse, a director of the Academy, will be heavily involved with her team of trainers.
“This has been a dream come true in the making for five years now especially in the last 18 months. We put in a lot of hard work. We finally made it a dream come true.”
“Obviously it was a very important Commonwealth games not just for me, for South Africa too. The launch was at the back of my mind, lots of pressure of course but today was a great success. I’m just very proud, humbled to be here to see my name on the wall and the family name,” says Le Clos.
Future venues will also implement elite and learn to swim programmes, while under privileged areas such as Gugulethu will also be involved to cater for all communities.
Le Clos became the most decorated Commonwealth Games swimmer when he bagged five medals including three gold at the 2018 Games and wants more.
“I’m very hungry after Rio. Something lit a fire in my belly. I believe Tokyo 2020 will be the highlight of my life I’m working very hard towards that,” he says.
Some of the main aims of the Academy are for swimmers to enjoy, participate and to have longevity in the sport.
“Today is not just a big day for swimming SA it’s a big day for sport in SA because we are going to revolutionise swimming and create the next generation.”
Chad le Clos has achieved great success for South Africa and his legacy will be even stronger if helps produce the next generation of champions.
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