PARIS, July 25 - African and South African swimming medal hopeful Chad Le Clos announced on Thursday that he sustained a minor training injury ahead of the Olympic Games in, an event he views as unfinished business.
Le Clos, who famously defeated U.S. legend Michael Phelps to win the 200-meter butterfly gold at the London Olympics in 2012, is participating in his fourth Games. After a medal-less outing in Tokyo three years ago, he is eager for a comeback.
Describing himself as "a bit of a pensioner" since winning his first short course world championship in 2010, South Africa's most decorated swimmer acknowledged that his body has endured several injuries over the years, with the latest occurring just recently.
"I had a bit of an incident," he explained about the training mishap. "I suffered a small tear in my upper trapezius muscle 16 days ago, but everything is good now. I'm fortunate to have amazing doctors and physiotherapists in the national team.
"We're doing everything we can. I've had an excellent training camp and I'm in fantastic shape. May the best three competitors win on the day."
Le Clos, who will compete in the 100-meter butterfly, stated that he has "let go of the past" and plans to continue to the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
"I believe I will be in LA," he said at a World Aquatics press conference alongside other athletes. "I might not be as competitive, but we'll see what happens.
Reflecting on his Olympic journey, he added, "London was hugely successful, Rio brought me two silvers, and I finished fourth in a fast race (200 butterfly) which I still consider the worst race of my career.
"The following year, I won the world title in Budapest with a faster time, which felt like redemption for me. This Olympics is about not going out on my terms but swimming the best I can."
Credit: Reuters
