Known for dominating swimming pools and standing atop Olympic podiums, Chad le Clos is trading his goggles for a spot on the shores of Midmar Dam this February, as he rallies behind a cause close to his heart.
Although he’s completed the world’s largest open water event several times in the past, the four-time Olympic medallist won’t be participating in this year’s aQuellé Midmar Mile but is rather headed to the dam to support those swimming for the Chad le Clos Foundation.
Every year, the aQuellé Midmar Mile raises millions of rands for good causes and the Chad le Clos Foundation is recognised as one of the official charities of the event.
Launched in 2018, the foundation aims to create safe environments for all South Africans to enjoy the country’s magnificent waterways, with the swimming survival skills and water safety education necessary to help develop safe behaviours and attitudes around water. It is a well-known fact that South Africa has exceptionally high drowning statistics. The foundation’s aim is to reduce that number and keep children and communities safe.
20 swimmers will take part in the 8-Mile Charity Challenge from 6-7 February, completing eight crossings of the dam over the two days to raise money for the Chad le Clos Foundation before 20 of the development swimmers who benefit from the foundation take on the one-mile event on the race weekend from 8-9 February.
“I’m super, super excited about the Midmar Mile coming up,” said Le Clos. “We’ve been prepping for a long time with the Chad le Clos Foundation so a big shout-out to my team,” he added.
The 32-year-old Is taking a break from swimming for the next few months before turning his attention to the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore later this year.
“Unfortunately I’m not going to participate this year because I’m taking a break, but we’re going to be there every day so it’s going to be super-exciting. Shout-out to [Race Director] Wayne Riddin for all the hard work that he’s put in. It’s going to be a great weekend for me and the family so I’m very excited.”
Those still hoping to enter the aQuellé Midmar Mile, which takes place from 6-9 February, can do so at the dam on the day as online entries are now closed. Swimmers are advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment.
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