Chad le Clos becomes most decorated male athlete in Commonwealth Games history with 19th medal

Glasgow: South African swimming legend Chad le Clos has rewritten the record books, becoming the most decorated male athlete in Commonwealth Games history after securing a bronze medal in the men’s 4x100-metre freestyle relay.

The historic feat marks the 34-year-old’s 19th career Commonwealth medal. This edges him past Australian shooter Phil Adams and England’s Mick Gault, who previously held the joint men's record with 18 medals each.

The landmark moment arrived at the Tollcross pool in Glasgow, where the South African quartet—comprising Pieter Coetzee, Guy Brooks, Ruard van Renen, and le Clos—stopped the clock in 3 minutes 13.99 seconds. Australia took gold in the event, but the evening belonged to the South African icon.

An emotional le Clos reflected on the significance of the achievement following the race. "I shouldn't be crying at bronze, I should be crying at gold, but honestly this means the world," le Clos said. "After the near misses and some really hard times over the past few years, this is unbelievable, and I am just so grateful to my family for all their support."

The bronze brings le Clos’ overall Commonwealth Games haul to seven golds, four silvers, and eight bronzes. His journey began as an 18-year-old prodigy at the 2010 New Delhi Games, where he collected five medals during his debut appearance. Competing in his fifth Commonwealth Games, the Durban-born swimmer has established an unprecedented record of longevity. Beyond his Commonwealth triumphs, his international career features four Olympic medals—including gold in 2012—and 16 world titles.

Confirming the historic milestone, Team South Africa posted on social media: "The medal also marks a historic milestone for Chad le Clos, who has now won 19 Commonwealth Games medals, making him the most decorated male athlete in Commonwealth Games history. History made."

The veteran swimmer could yet add further honours to his tally in Glasgow, with entries in both the 50-metre and 100-metre butterfly races. Furthermore, le Clos has stated his intention to compete at his fifth Olympic Games at Los Angeles 2028.