Chad le Clos’ rise to fame traced in Unbelievable!

At the 2012 Olympics Chad le Clos, a twenty-year-old from Durban, astounded the world by achieving the ‘unbelievable’: he beat Michael Phelps, his childhood hero and the world’s number one swimmer, in the 200 metres butterfly final. 

 

This book tells us all about the making of a swimming sensation – in the words of the golden boy himself, his family and those who have stood by him from the start. It is an encouraging account of realising the ultimate goal, not through chance, but with the resolute support of family and friends and Chad’s own relentless dedication to his sport. 

 

Taking its title from his dad, Bert le Clos’, famous exclamation on BBC TV when his son defeated Phelps, this book follows Chad’s rise to Olympic stardom. An inspirational story for all wishing to achieve beyond what may seem possible.

 

 

 

 

What are your thoughts on the book - Unbelievable?

 

It will be a great read for many readers, I can’t speak for everyone but I know many people can relate or find my book motivational. The book is not an autobiography, it’s about motivation, family, values and perseverance.

 

What message do you hope the book sends out to those who read it?

 

I hope my book can motivate youngsters who are hungry enough that they can achieve their goals no matter what their situation in life is.

 

Your father has played a major role in your life and career. What do you think it is that makes him so influential?

 

My dad is one of the only people I know that learns from other people, a lot of other people are too arrogant and stubborn to take in new information. I think this is what makes him a unique man.

 

What did you make of the whole 'Unbelievable' furore which followed your Olympic win? How did it affect you personally?

 

It didn’t affect my personal life; I am still the same person as I was before the Olympics. Although my life outside the walls of my house changed in a big way, whereever I go I get recognised but my family have still kept me grounded.

 

What you have achieved to date is quite incredible. Did you ever envisage during your teens that at 21 you would be where you are now?

 

Yes, I had hope that I would be where I am now, but didn’t expect it to come this early.

 

How did it feel to stand on the podium and hear the national anthem after winning gold at the Olympics?

 

Words can’t really describe how I felt; it was amazing and an emotional moment, undeniably the best feeling in the world.

 

Michael Phelps is your hero. How did it feel competing against and beating him?

 

If you were a tennis player and your hero is Federer and you beat him at the peak of his career, that’s how it felt.

 

Phelps recently made a cameo appearance in the television series Suits. Would you ever be interested in getting into acting / appearing in a series like Suits?

 

Yes, maybe one day.

 

We know that Phelps is your international hero, but who do you look up to locally and why?

 

Terrance Parken, he is now a retired sporting hero and the way he conducted with his fans was really inspiring.

 

Just how important was Penny Heyns to South African swimming?

 

She was very important, she was the first swimming Olympic champion and she is a living legend.

 

Do you have any superstitions which you use before a race?

 

I always have the same programme before a race, I like to touch the water with my mouth, heart and pants before starting a race.

 

After reaching global fame following the 2012 Olympics, what is the strangest thing a girl has done to get your attention since?

 

I had a lady follow me for about 15 minutes and when we stopped at traffic lights she asked me to sign something for her.

 

Seeing as you are a swimmer – if you could be any fish, what would you be and why?

 

I would like to be a clown fish to make people laugh.

 

What does the future hold for Chad le Clos?

 

Hopefully more gold medals for my country and there are a lot of things I would like to accomplish outside the water.

 

Unbelievable! is written together with Myan Subrayan, who has co-authored biographies of Springbok rugby player Pierre Spies and former All Black Inga Tuigamala.

 

This article first appeared on www.zalebs.com