Chad le Clos Sets Commonwealth Games Record as South Africa’s Most Decorated Athlete

South African swimmer Chad le Clos won a bronze medal in the men’s 4×100 m medley relay at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, bringing his total to 21 medals – seven gold, five silver and nine bronze – and overtaking Australia’s Emma McKeon as the most decorated athlete in the event’s history. The 34‑year‑old Olympic champion, who famously beat Michael Phelps in 2012, said the achievement was emotional and confirmed his aim to qualify for a fifth Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

South Africa’s swimming team added to the nation’s haul with golds, silvers and bronzes, taking four gold, seven silver and five bronze medals overall at the Games. In parallel, the Springbok women’s rugby squad was named for a historic two‑test tour of Fiji, while France appointed former star Zinedine Zidane as head coach of Les Bleus, with his first matches set for September‑October against Turkey and Italy.