A week ago, South African swimming star Chad le Clos was beaming with joy after setting the Commonwealth Games men’s record for medals with his 20th, tying Emma McKeon for most all time.
But while that was happening in Scotland, a devastating fire took over his apartment complex in South Africa and destroyed his home and others. Even more tragic, a neighbor lost their life in the blaze.
After taking a few days to deal with what happened, le Clos took to social media to explain the devastating news.
“It has taken me a while to process this heartbreaking tragedy. On the evening of 30 July, amidst 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,” Chad le Clos wrote on Instagram.
“It is with a heavy heart that I extend my deepest and most sincere condolences to the family and friends of my neighbour of many years, who tragically lost his life in this fire. 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.”
He has set up an online campaign not for himself, but for his neighbors during this distressing time.
“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 wrote. “Together with my foundation, I have set up a dedicated campaign to solely assist my neighbours as they embark on a very difficult journey rebuilding. 100% of any donations raised will go solely to my neighbours, with the Chad le Clos Foundation managing the proceeds to ensure they are looked after.”
Here is the link: https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/oqg0n5lr.
He closed his post with a note to his family and the first responders who fought the fire.
“I also want to express my heartfelt thanks for the overwhelming support shown by family, friends and the broader community. Watching neighbours come together to help one another has been a genuine source of comfort amid the tragedy,” Chad le Clos wrote. “Finally, thank you to the Fire Department, first responders, SAPS and all emergency services personnel who responded so swiftly and worked tirelessly through the night.”
