Chad le Clos is a swimmer.
But not just any swimmer. The South African is an Olympic and Commonwealth Games champion. He’s ranked 1st in the world in the 50, 100 and 200 meter butterfly — and is the current world record holder in both the 100 and 200 meter butterfly
He heads soon to Windsor, Ontario for the FINA World Swimming Championships.
If he wins, he’s got the Westport Weston Family Y to thank.
For the past few days, he’s been training there. He has a connection with a Water Rat family, so the Wilton Road facility seemed a great fit.
Chad le Clos (in the water) with Westport Y Water Rat swimmers.
This evening, he raced an exhibition 100 yard butterfly there.
Chad le Clos, on the Westport Y starting block.
Plenty of Water Rat swimmers, parents and alumni showed up to cheer him on.
Stop the presses: He won.
I’m no swim racing expert. But I’m sure that’s a very, very good time.
44.25 is very fast considering that he swam the race alone.
The current American record for this distance is: 43.84
2016 Short Course National Championships
December 2, 2016 / Atlanta, Georgia
Chad, thanks for coming to the Y and inspiring so many young swimmers.
Good luck at the FINA Worlds.
Awesome story and Cheers to Westport Weston Y, swimmers and fans. If you haven’t been to our Pools and brought yourself or family – get in there. Our Y Campus – is Extraordinary. Our People – the Best. Go CHAD.