Le Clos sets new World Record

Although this is no rugby-related issue - it is important for all South Africans. The following is the article which appeared in the timesonline:- 'Chad le Clos set a new world record in the men’s 200m butterfly short course to open his Swimming World Cup challenge in style in Eindhoven, Netherlands, on Wednesday. Le Clos was in a league of his own as he raced out front, chasing the world mark of 1 minute 49:11 seconds, and setting a new world record mark of 1:49:04. He rose to fame by beating the famous Michael Phelps in the long course 200m butterfly at the Olympics in London last year. It was a night which belonged to the small group of South Africans in Eindhoven, with teammate Myles Brown showing improvement as he tackled the men’s 400m freestyle. Brown closed the gap on favourite Yannick Agnel (France) and eventually ended in second place only 0.16 behind in 3:37:91 — breaking the African and South African records set in 2004 by Ryk Neethling by a clear two seconds. The evergreen Roland Schoeman stood up and delivered, starting off with a victory in the men’s 50m breaststroke, clocking a fast 25:85. The 33-year-old followed this with a silver in the 50m butterfly, clocking 22:22, ahead of Le Clos, who took third place in 22:62" Before the meeting in Eindhoven - there was a rumour that the World Record Le Clos was chasing was in the 100 meter event - the one he came closes to in the Istanbul event. However, he broke last night the 200 meter record. The 100 meter race is tonight and if he breaks that one - he would be really in a unique situation. I think ABSA would in such an event be in a bit of trouble. They always pay out R1 000 000 to any South African Sportsman who breaks a world record at an event recognised by the relevant sporting bodies. He could get to a stage where - like Penny Heyns years ago - ABSA had to pay out R6 000 000 over a three months period because she constantly improved on her own world records in the 100 and 200 hundred meters breast stroke. Hope it happens in the case of le Clos as well - he is a class act. His father was so poor - he is a motor mechanic - who could not afford to go and see Le Clos swimming in the Commonwealth games in New Delhi. - but times have changed and his parents are nowadays present at each venue where Le Clos is swimming. Good for the family as well. Sponsorships are pouring in and the youngster is making millions. Good luck for this evenings race as well. I was surprised by the showing of Myles Brown. He always was around and mostly in lane 8 in finals. That was the case again last night - but he came out fighting and nearly beat the World Record holder Yannick Agnel in that event. His time was well over 3 seconds faster than he ever achieved before - so he is likely also going places.. "