South African Swimmers Chand Le Clos and Cameron Van der Burgh Win Africa’s First Medals

It was a night like no other when Chand Le Clos shocked the world and beat the most decorated Olympian of all time, Micheal Phelps, at the 2012 London Games.

On Monday night, Clos surprised again when he won silver in the 200-meter freestyle, an event that is not his core strength. His win was even more impressive considering that, earlier, he qualified seventh fastest in the very same event.

His win put the competition on notice, despite being edged out by China’s Sun Yang. Clos’s win was the Africa’s second medal.

Earlier, Cameron van der Burgh had won Africa’s first, a silver medal in the 100-meter breaststroke. This is his second medal after he won gold at the 2012 London games.

Even though he came up second, he referred to the win as the “second best performance” of his life.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“It’s an amazing feeling. I’m so flippin’ proud. Adding a silver to the gold – I can’t say I’m disappointed at all. The Olympics is such a massive stage, and I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about walking out there again and getting on the podium again,”[/perfectpullquote]

he said.

Featured Photo: Cameron van der Burgh, Image By Patrick B. Kraemer