Swim Academy Launch - Chad le Clos visits Camps Bay High

Swim Academy Launch. Olympic Champion Chad le Clos Inspires Camps Bay High Learners during Swim Academy Launch visit.

Camps Bay High School was honoured to welcome Olympic gold medallist Chad le Clos during a special visit marking the launch and expansion of the Virgin Active Chad Le Clos Swim Academy, in partnership with Virgin Active.

The academy, now rapidly expanding across South Africa with hubs in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban, aims to nurture swimmers from beginner level through to elite pathways. Its programmes focus on structured coaching, technique development, strength and conditioning, and competitive preparation.

Le Clos, a four-time Olympic medallist and one of South Africa’s most decorated athletes, is best remembered for his breakthrough victory in the 200m butterfly at the London 2012 Olympic Games, where he famously defeated Michael Phelps. His career includes multiple World Championship titles and Commonwealth Games medals, cementing his place among the greatest swimmers of his generation.

A Conversation Filled with Honesty and Inspiration

During a lively Q&A session, Le Clos reflected on his iconic 2012 triumph with humour and humility. He explained how being a young, relatively unknown athlete gave him freedom from pressure:

“I think the pressure was more on Phelps going into London… I was young, I didn’t really know what I had to lose, and that actually helped me.”

He credited belief from his father, coach, and himself as the driving force behind his success.

Le Clos also spoke candidly about the challenges that followed:

“From 2012 to 2016 was probably the most stressful time of my life – suddenly there was expectation everywhere.”

He emphasized preparation and mindset as key to handling pressure:

“If you know you’ve done the work, you feel less stressed. We’re always going to have nerves – it’s about letting the butterflies fly.”

Lessons in Resilience and Discipline

A recurring theme throughout his talk was resilience:

“Never give up. Always fight to finish your best. Conditions are the same for everyone – no excuses.”

He revealed his current motivation:

“My goal is to be the first South African to compete at five Olympic Games – that’s what keeps me going. I still love the chase.”

Le Clos also shared personal insights into his journey, from his early passion for soccer to balancing academics with elite sport. Despite missing significant school time, he achieved three distinctions in matric, crediting peer support and tutoring.

Encouraging learners to focus on their own growth, he advised:

“Don’t look sideways at what others have. Focus on your own journey and lift people up.”

Legacy Beyond Medals

Reflecting on his purpose, Le Clos said:

“How I want to be remembered is someone who gave back to the next generation – not just for results, but for helping others get to the Olympics one day.”

A Memorable Day for Camps Bay High

Camps Bay High School Head of Sport, Busi Ngcwama, praised the impact of the visit:

“Chad spoke with honesty, humility and humour. Our learners were able to connect with him because he made elite sport feel human and achievable. His message about discipline, mindset and perseverance will stay with them for a long time.”

The school community will cherish the enthusiasm that was palpable at the end of the session, with learners lining up for autographs and photographs. Chad signed blazers, shirts, swimming caps, and more, leaving behind a moment the school community will cherish.

Camps Bay High School extends heartfelt thanks to Chad le Clos and the Virgin Active Chad Le Clos Swim Academy for an inspiring visit that marks an exciting new chapter in the growth of swimming in South Africa.