Le Clos: “I Am Not Afraid Of Michael Phelps”

The swimming community was fired up over the summer when South African Olympic gold medalist Chad Le Clos spoke out comparing his performances at the 2015 FINA World Championships to that of 22-time Olympic medalist Michael Phelps at U.S. Nationals.

After his 100m butterfly gold in Kazan at World Championships, Le Clos commented that  “Michael Phelps has been talking about how slow the butterfly events have been recently. I just did a time he hasn’t done in four years. So he can keep quiet now.”  However, Phelps’ in-pool response in San Antonio was that of a world-best 50.45 100 butterfly, further adding fuel to the intense rivalry that, if all goes according to plan, will come to a head in Rio come the 2016 Olympics.

Now several weeks removed from the cross-fire, Le Clos talked to the BBC about his admiration and respect for Phelps, the man who was once his childhood hero, only to turn into his biggest international rival.

You can listen to the 2-minute-clip here: Chad Le Clos Talks To BBC

Looking at the 18-time gold medalist’s achievements over the summer, Le Clos says in the audio clip that he didn’t expect Phelps to come back that fast that quickly, saying it was “a big shock.” He further says he’s excited to go after the gold medal in Rio, saying the goal represents being the best in the world at that moment.  Le Clos equates the potential head-to-head 100m and 200m butterfly races to a ‘heavyweight title fight.’

Bert Le Clos, Chad’s father, also chimes in that the tables are somewhat turned on his son.  Now that he is the reigning world champion, the target is on his back and the pressure is only mounting. Nonetheless, Le Clos makes it clear in the interview that he’s up for the challenge and ready to handle that pressure, flat-out stating, “I am not afraid of Michael Phelps.”

‘Phelps Phans’ will no doubt be clinging to their #1 swimmer’s famous comment at Nationals in San Antonio, when Phelps said,  “I mean, I can do whatever I put my mind to. And this next year is going to be pretty damn fun.”

 

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Joel Lin
8 years ago

I may have missed it, but is Schooling swimming NCAA this year? Is Conger? I am sure both will have a great training cycle, but am not sure if one or each of them has made a determination to swim the college season or defer a year to train for the Olympics.

Admin
Reply to  Joel Lin
8 years ago

Joel Lin – we’ve been given no official indication on any redshirts from Texas. Those close to the program we spoke with said that there were several considering it, but that have opted against it. Conger and Schooling both swam at the intrasquad, so both should be “in” for the season.

ok
Reply to  Joel Lin
8 years ago

Yes, conger and schooling are both swimming in the ncaas this year and bith have already gone 45 second in the 100 fly so…

emg1986
8 years ago

You will be….. YOU WILL BE.

billabong
8 years ago

He was very measured in this interview, and sounded quietly confident. He has acknowledged that he will need to break WR’s(at least textile bests) to win gold, so he has a firm idea of what he is shooting for. Le Clos is a brilliant racer and in a head to head, he stands a very good chance of winning. Patriotism aside, that just needs to be said.

Adam
8 years ago

Cavic vs phelps and Le Clos and phelps don’t even compare to Crocker and Phelps. Crocker beat phelps without talking trash. Crocker motivated Phelps to greater heights. 50.40 was the only world record phelps didn’t get in 08. Phelps keeps talking about 50.40 and walking the walk. These guys are just talk.

I wish nothing but the best for Phelps. I hope he shams Le clos and breaks 50.40. However, my money is on Schooling next year.

GinaRhinestone
8 years ago

What’s next in this beat up?

My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard ,
And they’re like , it’s better than yours ,
Damn right it’s better than you’s ,
I could teach you but I’d have to charge .’

Markster
Reply to  GinaRhinestone
8 years ago

Of all the things you have said on here, this has to be the weirdest. And that is really saying something.

Gina Rhinestone
Reply to  Markster
8 years ago

I just thought that all above who are so adept at construing deep meaning to Chad’s words would appreciate some more words of wisdom .

Gina Rhinestone
Reply to  Gina Rhinestone
8 years ago

Btw all writing credits to Pharrell Williams . But you knew that .

swimdoc
Reply to  Gina Rhinestone
8 years ago

I did not. A revelation. Essentially the only thing new I learned form this entire thread.

Swammerjammer
8 years ago

Cannot wait for Rio. May the hardware hang from the neck of the fastest! Swimming is a glorious sport.

FINA bites
8 years ago

That doesn’t even qualify as trash talk. He may or may not be afraid of Phelps, only he knows for sure. Trash talk would’ve been if he had said instead that Phelps was afraid of him!

Phyllis M.
8 years ago

It’s ok Le Clos competition is greate!!..seeking motivation from the media is too….!!!

About Retta Race

Retta Race

Former Masters swimmer and coach Loretta (Retta) thrives on a non-stop but productive schedule. Nowadays, that includes having just earned her MBA while working full-time in IT while owning French 75 Boutique while also providing swimming insight for BBC.

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