Fire destroys Chad le Clos's home days after his Commonwealth Games record

South African swimmer Chad le Clos has revealed that his apartment in Cape Town was destroyed by a fire that claimed the life of a neighbour, just days after he made history at the Commonwealth Games.

In an Instagram post, the 34-year-old said the blaze broke out in his apartment block in the Sea Point area on the evening of 30 July, shortly after he had competed at the Games in Glasgow. The fire quickly spread to his home, which he had lived in for more than a decade, leaving nothing salvageable.

Le Clos confirmed that a long-time neighbour died in the incident, with local reports identifying the victim as a 93-year-old resident. He offered his deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, noting that the entire community shared in their grief. The swimmer also expressed solidarity with other residents whose homes were damaged, saying that during such difficult times neighbours support each other. To assist those affected, he has started a fundraising campaign.

Le Clos's personal loss came at a career high point. At the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, he earned his 21st medal in the event's history, surpassing Australia's Emma McKeon to become the most decorated athlete in Commonwealth Games history. That bronze came in the men's 4x100m medley relay, his third medal of the 2026 Games, following silver in the mixed 4x100m medley and bronze in the men's 4x100m freestyle relays.

The Durban-born swimmer first won a Commonwealth medal in Delhi in 2010 as an 18-year-old. Over five editions of the Games, he has accumulated seven gold, five silver, and nine bronze medals. He also claimed four Olympic medals, including his famous 200m butterfly gold at the 2012 London Olympics, where he defeated Michael Phelps, and has won 16 world titles and 10 African titles.