Swimmer Chad le Clos has revealed that his apartment in Cape Town was destroyed by a fatal fire, with one neighbor losing their life. The tragedy occurred just days after le Clos became the most decorated athlete in Commonwealth Games history.
The 34-year-old swimmer, an Olympic gold medalist, took to Instagram to share the heartbreaking news. He stated that a fire began in his apartment block on the evening of July 30, rapidly spreading to his home. "On the evening of 30 July, amid breaking the all-time Commonwealth record, a fire started in my apartment block, which quickly spread to my home. Sadly my home, where I've lived for more than a decade, burnt down and there is nothing left to salvage," le Clos wrote.
Le Clos also extended his condolences to the family of his neighbor, described as a "neighbour of many years," who died in the incident. Reports indicate the victim was a 93-year-old resident. "No words can truly ease a loss like this, but I hope the family knows that the thoughts of an entire community are with them," the Durban-born swimmer stated.
Le Clos was recognized for breaking the Commonwealth Games record after winning his 21st medal, a bronze in the men's 4x100m medley relay, surpassing Australia's Emma McKeon. This medal was his third of the 2026 Games, having previously secured silver in the mixed 4x100 medley and bronze in the men's 4x100 freestyle relays.
He expressed solidarity with his fellow residents affected by the fire, emphasizing the strong community spirit. "To my fellow neighbours whose homes and lives have been severely affected by this fire, please know that you are not alone. This is a tight-knit community and it is in moments like these that we lean on one another."
Le Clos, famously known for his 2012 Olympic gold medal win in the 200m butterfly against Michael Phelps, has initiated a fundraising campaign to support his neighbors impacted by the blaze. Le Clos began his Commonwealth medal journey in Delhi in 2010 at age 18. His career accolades include four Olympic medals, 16 world titles, seven Commonwealth golds, and 10 African titles.