My son's not just a champion swimmer – he made me change my life

Chad le Clos shocked a global audience when he beat swimming legend Michael Phelps to win a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics.

His dad Bert also became something of a celebrity after his joyous interview with the BBC’s Clare Balding went viral.

It’s now 14 years on and Chad has become the most decorated athlete in Commonwealth Games history having won his 21st medal on Wednesday night.

Bert said the family wept tears of joy after his son won the first of his three medals at the Glasgow Games last week.

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Chad le Clos has competed at five Commonwealth Games since he made his debut in Delhi 2010 [Getty Images]

The 34-year-old helped secure a bronze for South Africa in the 4x100m freestyle relay on Friday at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre.

As he celebrated winning his 19th medal, a tearful Chad said: “I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a big moment for me and my family. I’m really grateful.”

Le Clos added a 4x100m mixed medley relay silver on Tuesday.

And on Wednesday he won a bronze in the 4x100m medley relay, to take him clear of Australian swimming great Emma McKeon with 21 medals.

Bert said his son had set world records and won gold on a bigger stage – but the freestyle relay bronze medal in Glasgow was “as emotional as the first one”.

He added: “I realise that my little kid – who is now a pensioner – was unbelievable in what he achieved.”

In a wide-ranging interview with BBC Scotland, 69-year-old Bert said his life had been “revolutionised” by his son.

He recalled how Chad had prompted him to quit smoking when, at the age of 12, he asked his father to give up the habit instead of buying him a Christmas present.

Bert hasn’t had a single cigarette since that day.

The grandfather – who weighed 140kg (22 stone) at the time – also stopped drinking every day and lost 41kg (6.45 stone).

“He made me change my life,” said Bert.

“I would probably be dead now if I had continued the way I was. That’s a good lesson for other parents.”

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Bert, who was one of 10 children, was born in Mauritius and moved to Durban in South Africa when he was six.

He and wife Geraldine also have a son Jordan, 28, a former African jiu-jitsu champion who now lives in the US.

Bert lists his career experience as “entrepreneur; owner of various butcheries; and bookmaker in the horse racing industry”.

Asked about his colourful CV, Bert told how he sold his bookmaker business as he was “playing too big” and “going berserk”.

“I was a very naughty boy,” he added.

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Chad went head-to-head with US legend Michael Phelps during the 200m butterfly final at the London Olympics [Getty Images]

Chad joined the Seagulls Swimming Club when he was eight and started competing for his school at the age of 10.

But Bert was keen to ease his son into the sport before introducing a six-day training programme, which involved 04:45 starts.

He said: “I didn’t want him to do too many mornings too early.

“A lot of parents and coaches they push the kids too hard too soon.

“Why would you want your 11 or 12-year-old doing as much mileage as an Olympic champion?

“That’s why Chad is still swimming at 34.”

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A stunned le Clos realises he has just beaten his hero, Michael Phelps [Getty Images]

Bert was anxious not to force Chad, who played football and rugby at provincial level, in a particular direction.

He said: “Sport will chose your child. You won’t choose your child’s sport.”

Bert also revealed that how no matter how Chad performed he always gave him a “man of the match ice cream”.

He added: “You have just got to be there to encourage, not to force.”

Chad was 13 when he travelled to Sheffield with Bert for his first international competition.

He made two finals but finished second last and third last.

Bert confronted Chad’s coach when they returned home to Durban, saying: “My boy can’t swim. He’s not an athlete. He’s not a swimmer.”

But his coach was reassuring – and three years later Chad was named swimmer of the year when he raced the same competitors at the junior Commonwealth Games.

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Le Clos was the first swimmer to beat Phelps over the 200m butterfly since 2001 [Getty Images]

Chad was 18 when he made his Commonwealth debut at the Dehli Games in 2010, winning two golds, a silver and two bronzes.

On 31 July 2012 he stunned the sporting world when he pipped Phelps by 0.05 seconds to win the 200m butterfly Olympic gold.

At the time the US icon was a 14-time Olympic champion and he had not lost in the event since 2001.

But 20-year-old Chad produced the race of his life at the London Aquatics Centre to beat his hero.

As he looked up at the scoreboard in disbelief, his father went wild in the stands.

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Le Clos poses with his gold medal next to Phleps (left) – who retired after the 2016 Rio Games with a record 23 gold, three silver and two bronze medals. Japan’s Takeshi Matsuda (right) took bronze. [Getty Images]

Afterwards Bert was interviewed by Clare Balding,

He told her the result was “unbelievable” and added: “I have never been so happy in my life.

“It’s like I have died and gone to heaven. Whatever happens in my life from now on, it is plain sailing.”

Bert became an instant celebrity and Chad has often said since that his father is more famous than him.

That night the celebrations ended around 04:00 and when Bert, Geraldine and Jordan got back to their room they sobbed with joy.

Chad later won a silver in the 100m butterfly as Phelps gained revenge.

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Chad won a 2013 Laureus World Sports Award in Rio [Getty Images]

The American retired after the 2016 Rio Games with a record 23 gold, three silver and two bronze medals.

In the run up to those Olympics both Bert and Geraldine were diagnosed with cancer.

Despite the stress he was under Chad won two more silvers and became the most decorated South African Olympic athlete.

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Gold medal winner Chad during the 100m butterly medal ceremony at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games [Getty Images]

But by the time the Covid-delayed Tokyo Games came round Chad’s mental health had spiralled.

Bert said it had been difficult to help his son during this period.

“When there are challenges in one’s family, as a father you have got to love your children… Whatever troubles you have, take it on the chin and try to sort it out.”

Chad went on to compete at Paris 2024 and is aiming to qualify for his fifth Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.

Over his career he has won 16 world titles, seven Commonwealth golds and 10 African titles.

Chad also set up his own foundation with a focus on water safety education and swimming survival skills.

The le Clos family build their holidays around Chad’s competition schedule and cherish their Commonwealth Games trips, which stretch back to Delhi 2010.

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Bert and wife Geraldine travelled to Scotland to cheer on Chad at the 2014 Commonwealth Games [Getty Images]

Bert described the Glasgow 2014 Games as their finest hour as Chad won seven medals.

In doing so he equalled the record for a single edition set by Australian swimming legend Ian Thorpe at Manchester 2002.

He said: “We had the time of our lives. The people make the Games and it was fantastic.”

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Glasgow stepped in to host the Games for a second time after the Australian state of Victoria pulled out due to soaring costs.

Bert said: “It looks like this one was watered down a bit to be fair but, in saying that, it is still up there.

“The swimming is still world class.”

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Bert said son Chad “revolutionised” his life [Getty Images]

Asked to describe his son’s glittering career, Bert laughed and said: “One word – unbelievable.

“Do you think as a father I could imagine that this little rabbit could get all these accolades? Absolutely not.

“It has been beautiful. What a journey.”

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