Dylan Bettencourt
South Africa’s most successful swimmer, Chad le Clos has failed to qualify for the 100m butterfly event.
The 29-year-old was not at his best during this year’s games. He put in a great performance in the 200m butterfly semi-finals but finished fifth in the final.
Le Clos seemed certain to qualify for the 100m butterfly semi-finals but his time in the heats was not fast enough.
The former gold medalist said he was disappointed in himself.
“It’s tough. I don’t know what happened. I don’t know what to say. I can’t make excuses. I lost fair and square to everyone else. It’s devastating,” he said.
He vowed to be back at the 2024 Olympics to win the gold medal.
Further disappointment for the male swimmers from South Africa as Matt Sates failed to qualify for the 200m butterfly semi-finals after finishing fifth in his heat. The 18-year-old has been tipped to take the mantle from le Clos and he put in spirited performances but failed to make any impact during his events.
Sates said: “I put my body on the line for that 200m medley so I’m a bit tired now. I’m very happy with my first Olympics. I hope the second one will be a little different. Hopefully I’ll be a bit better then and aim for the medals.”
South Africans will now turn their attention to the female swimmers Tatjana Schoenmaker and Kaylene Corbett who are competing in the 200m breaststroke final in the early hours of Friday morning.
Image source: @Newzroom405
