Both my parents fighting cancer, says SA's swim star Le Clos
South African swimming sensation and Olympic champion Chad le Clos on Monday revealed that both his parents were fighting cancer.
In a statement, Le Clos said: "The Rio Olympics are just a few weeks away but I can confirm that both my parents are fighting cancer.
"My Mum Geraldine has breast cancer which has returned since her remission in 2010. She has recently undergone a double mastectomy and is now having chemo. My Dad Bert developed prostate cancer and has also undergone an operation in late June."
He added: "It has not been an easy time but I am training hard for Rio. More than anything else I want them to win their battles. I also hope that they will be in Rio.
"I would ask my friends in the media to respect their recovery. I will also not be doing any media prior to Rio."
Le Clos has Olympic, world and Commonwealth gold medals, as well as world records, to his name in the butterfly discipline, and sprung to international fame when he beat legendary two-time defending Olympic champion and world record holder, Michael Phelps, in the 200-metre butterfly at the London 2012 Games.
His father Bert also became an instant media darling and hit on social media, as moments after Chad's momentous gold medal win over Phelps, he could be seen doing crazy celebrations poolside at the aquatic centre in London.
Then, when he was interviewed immediately afterwards by the BBC's Clare Balding, a clearly emotional Bert shouted: "Unbelievable, unbelievable, unbelievable!"
"Look at him, he's beautiful, I love you," he blurted before asking whether the interview was going out live.