Chad le Clos has revealed that his Sea Point home was destroyed in a fire while he was competing at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, calling the loss heartbreaking after more than a decade living there.
The South African swimming star said the blaze broke out on the evening of 30 July in his apartment block and quickly spread to his home. He also confirmed that the fire claimed the life of a neighbour and left other residents badly affected.
A home lost in the middle of a major career moment
Le Clos said the timing made the blow even harder to take. On the same night that he was breaking the all-time Commonwealth Games medal record, a fire started in the building where he lived and destroyed the apartment he had called home for more than a decade.
He said there was nothing left to salvage. The fire, which began at around 15:30 and was contained by about 21:30, later saw a flare-up suppressed on Friday. At the time of reporting, the cause remained under police investigation.
Condolences for a neighbour and support for the community
Le Clos said he was especially distressed by the death of a 93-year-old neighbour, Sam Strime, who was declared dead about an hour after the fire started. He extended his deepest condolences to the family and friends of his neighbour of many years.
He also addressed the wider community, telling fellow residents that they were not alone and describing Sea Point as a tight-knit place that would have to lean on one another after the disaster. His remarks also recognised the emergency response and the firefighters who worked through the night.
What happens next
The personal loss comes during a period when Le Clos has also been celebrating a major sporting achievement, with his medal total now standing at a record 21st career medal across five Games, including seven golds, five silvers and nine bronzes. But for now, the focus is on the home he lost, the neighbour who died, and the people still trying to recover from the damage in Sea Point.
A donation campaign has also been mentioned to help displaced neighbours, with the fire leaving a wider community counting the cost long after the flames were brought under control.
