ONE of the world's greatest and most successful swimmers of all time, Australian Ian Thorpe, will be here in January.
This was announced by South African swim sensation Chad le Clos on his return home after winning 35 medals at the Fina World Cup series.
"It's good to be back and I'm a little tired. I need a five-day break before I start with final preparations for the 2012 London Olympics," Le Clos said.
"I will be back in action in January in Durban at a high-profile competition where the top dogs of swimming will be competing.
"I spoke to Ian Thorpe and he told me he wants to come to South Africa," said Le Clos, who is hoping to win a medal on his debut at the Olympics in London. "I'm hoping to remain in good health and injury-free. But the main one for me will be the 2016 Olympics in Brazil where I expect to perform really well."
Thorpe, who has won five Olympic gold medals, the most won by any Australian, returned to the pool in February after years without competing.
A crowd that included Swimming South Africa officials, friends and family sang and danced when Le Clos arrived at the OR Tambo International Airport yesterday morning.
Swimming SA president Jace Naidoo said:
"He has been terrific and is one of our medal hopefuls at the London Olympics."
Le Clos's father Bert said: "I'm proud of him, he has been working very hard."
Thorpedo could be coming to SA
ONE of the world's greatest and most successful swimmers of all time, Australian Ian Thorpe, will be here in January.
This was announced by South African swim sensation Chad le Clos on his return home after winning 35 medals at the Fina World Cup series.
"It's good to be back and I'm a little tired. I need a five-day break before I start with final preparations for the 2012 London Olympics," Le Clos said.
"I will be back in action in January in Durban at a high-profile competition where the top dogs of swimming will be competing.
"I spoke to Ian Thorpe and he told me he wants to come to South Africa," said Le Clos, who is hoping to win a medal on his debut at the Olympics in London. "I'm hoping to remain in good health and injury-free. But the main one for me will be the 2016 Olympics in Brazil where I expect to perform really well."
Thorpe, who has won five Olympic gold medals, the most won by any Australian, returned to the pool in February after years without competing.
A crowd that included Swimming South Africa officials, friends and family sang and danced when Le Clos arrived at the OR Tambo International Airport yesterday morning.
Swimming SA president Jace Naidoo said:
"He has been terrific and is one of our medal hopefuls at the London Olympics."
Le Clos's father Bert said: "I'm proud of him, he has been working very hard."
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