(MENAFN- The Peninsula) At the age of just twenty, Chad Le Clos announced himself on the world stage at the 2012 Olympics by achieving the 'unbelievable'- stunning his childhood pool hero Michael Phelps to win the 200 meters butterfly gold in London.
Fast forward to 2014, the South African swimming star has now become a global force € winning medals at all the major competitions including the FINA Worlds and the Commonwealth Games.
This week, the Durban-born achieved new milestones in Doha which hosted the 12th FINA World Short-Course Swimming Championships.
He made history by sweeping all races in butterfly, clinching gold medals for 50m, 100m and 100m. Also by winning the 200m freestyle, he became the first South African swimmer to win four individual gold medals in a global showpiece contest.
In an exclusive interview, the star swimmer tells 'The Peninsula' about the experience of his historic triumph against Phelps, his recent performance in Doha and how he will train for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Following are the excerpts of the interview.
Q: First of all congratulations on your brilliant show in Doha. Let's start with the short-course championships: how do you rate your performance and how satisfied are you?
A: I am very satisfied, in fact more than satisfied. It was an amazing experience. Since I was in Doha few days before, my preparations were very good. Four gold medals including three butterfly titles " I am very proud of what I have achieved.
Q: Five days, 23 world records, your take on this?
A: It's great for us because swimming needs a bit of boost. There were a lot of upsets in the last five days".people unexpectedly breaking records which was great to see.
Q: How was your stay in Doha?
A: Doha was great. I was here before also for a training camp in June and later in the worlds in August. It's always been very good for me to be here because I've never lost in Doha.
Q: Now, What is your next international assignment?
A: My next major assignment will possibly be Kazan, Russia (FINA World Championships in July-August) next year. Before that we will be up for the European circuit in July.
Q: How do you see your overall performance in 2014?
A: The start (of this year) was not very good"..few injuries and sickness. But then I went for the Commonwealth Games where my performance was not bad. Then I won the World Series and the (recent) four gold medals is my best performance so far. So, the second half of this year was good for me. Yes, it was good but there could have been a lot more improvement, in my opinion.
Q: As you say you want to get faster every year, what are your targets in the coming year?
A: Next year would be long course"very important. I had a great short-course season this year. My long course (performance) should be lot better if I want to challenge the big guys. I need to work a bit harder on my fitness and I am very excited about the next year.
Q: Let's speak about your biggest achievement € beating Michael Phelps in London Olympics, share that feeling?
A: That was great, a moment of course in my life. Something for which, I was working hard since I was a young boy. My first Olympics to win two medals € gold and a silver medal which was a big achievement for me. Since then, I am striving to get better, trying to improve every year.
Q: Did you expect to beat Phelps that day?
A: It's a difficult question to answer. I always wondered what was the best way to beat Michael. It was my dream to beat him. Realistically, I knew I had a chance but it is going to be very difficult and I had to swim a perfect race. So, the race you guys saw on TV was the perfect race for me. I think everything I asked that day actually happened. I was destined to beat Michael Phelps on the biggest stage. I always wanted to be a sports superstar.
Q: Phelps is planning to return after his suspension ends in March. How do you see the challenge?
A: I wish him all the best for everything. I think if he will come back, it will be really great for sports, great for me. We will renew the rivalry but it's all up to him to decide on his comeback.
Q: Do you still see him as a force to be reckoned with?
A: Of course, you can't write off the greatest Olympian. It's very hard to say he won't be back (with success). He is a determined guy. Q: The 2016 Olympics are not very far. How are you planning to prepare for Rio?
A: We are really training hard and travelling to get to most races. So, like I said this year for me was very ideal, the way we planned out the next year. 2015 will also be another difficult year for me but more training than racing as I had done this year. Next year we would be doing grueling and long stuff for the preparations. So it would be another important year for me.
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