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The record Chad le Clos set that makes him a Commonwealth Games legend
The South African swimmer won another medal at Glasgow 2026, becoming the most decorated male athlete in Commonwealth Games history.
South African swimming icon Chad le Clos added another milestone to his legendary career by becoming the most decorated male athlete in Commonwealth Games history.
The 34-year-old reached the historic mark after helping South Africa capture the bronze medal in the men's 4x100-meter freestyle relay at Glasgow 2026. The podium finish gave Le Clos his 19th Commonwealth Games medal, moving him past former record holders Phil Adams of Australia and Mick Gault of England.
A Legacy Cemented
The bronze medal increased Le Clos' Commonwealth Games tally to 19 medals: seven golds, four silvers, and eight bronzes.
The achievement further strengthens a remarkable legacy that began at New Delhi 2010, where an 18-year-old Le Clos burst onto the international stage by winning five medals in his Commonwealth Games debut.
Glasgow 2026 marks the South African star's fifth Commonwealth Games appearance, highlighting his extraordinary longevity and ability to remain among the world's elite swimmers for more than a decade.
Still Chasing More History
The new record is just the latest chapter in the career of one of swimming's all-time greats.
In addition to his Commonwealth Games success, Le Clos owns four Olympic medals, including the unforgettable gold medal at London 2012, where he defeated Michael Phelps in the 200-meter butterfly—a victory that earned him the nickname "Phelps' Slayer." He has also captured 16 world championship titles, most of them in butterfly events.
His campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games is far from over. Le Clos is still scheduled to compete in the 50-meter and 100-meter butterfly, giving him additional opportunities to extend his record-breaking medal collection.
With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon, Le Clos continues to prove he remains one of the sport's premier competitors, determined to add even more achievements to a career that has already secured its place among swimming's greatest.
