Chad le Clos at a Glance
- Net Worth: $5 Million
- Profession: Professional Swimmer
- Nationality: South African
- Birthdate: April 12, 1992
- Birthplace: Durban, South Africa
- Height: 6 ft 1 in (1.86 m)
What is Chad le Clos’s Net Worth?
Chad le Clos has a net worth of $5 million in 2025. The South African swimming icon built his fortune through over a decade of dominance in the pool, where he became one of the highest-earning athletes in the history of the FINA Swimming World Cup series. Unlike many Olympians who rely solely on quadrennial government grants, le Clos generated substantial annual income through consistent prize money and long-term commercial partnerships.
His financial success stems from a “race-heavy” strategy. Le Clos is famous for his high-volume competition schedule, often racing multiple events at World Cup stops across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. This approach allowed him to accumulate millions in direct prize money, supplementing his earnings from major global endorsements.
World Cup Prize Money
Le Clos is arguably the most financially successful male swimmer in the history of the FINA (now World Aquatics) World Cup circuit. He was crowned the overall series winner four times (2011, 2013, 2014, 2017). During his peak years, he frequently cleared six figures in a single season. For example, in 2013 alone, he took home over $300,000 in race winnings.
By consistently finishing in the top tier of the overall standings for more than a decade, his total career prize money from this circuit alone exceeds $1.5 million, a rare feat in professional swimming.
Early Life
Chad Guy Bertrand le Clos was born in Durban, South Africa, to a Mauritian father, Bert le Clos, and a South African mother, Geraldine. He grew up in a sports-loving family and attended Westville Boys’ High School, a prestigious institution in Durban known for its strong aquatics program.
He began swimming competitively at the age of 10. By the time he was a teenager, he was already distinguishing himself on the national stage. He matriculated in 2010, the same year he announced his arrival on the international scene by winning five medals at the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore. This early success laid the foundation for his rapid transition to senior professional swimming.
Career
Chad le Clos’s career is defined by one of the greatest upsets in sporting history. His journey from a promising junior to a global superstar began in earnest at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, where he won two gold medals. However, his life changed forever two years later in London.
At the 2012 Summer Olympics, a 20-year-old le Clos faced arguably the greatest swimmer of all time, Michael Phelps, in the 200m butterfly. In a stunning finish, le Clos out-touched Phelps by 0.05 seconds to win the gold medal. This victory turned him into an instant global celebrity and South Africa’s sportsman of the year. He also secured a silver medal in the 100m butterfly at the same games.
Following London, le Clos proved he was not a “one-hit wonder.” He dominated the short-course (25m) format, becoming the first man to win three consecutive 100m butterfly titles at the World Short Course Championships. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, he added two silver medals to his collection, becoming South Africa’s most decorated Olympian.
He continued to rack up metalware at the Commonwealth Games, eventually becoming the most decorated swimmer in the history of the Games with 18 medals. His versatility allowed him to win across butterfly, freestyle, and individual medley events.
The road to the 2024 Paris Olympics was challenging. Le Clos battled injury and illness, including a shoulder injury just weeks before the Games that severely hampered his performance. Although he did not medal in Paris, he refused to retire.
Heading into 2025, le Clos has refocused his efforts on the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup and the World Short Course Championships, aiming to extend his legacy and mentor the next generation of South African swimmers.
Real Estate
Le Clos has invested his earnings into property in his home country. While originally based in Durban, he moved his primary residence to Cape Town around 2018 to launch the Chad le Clos Swimming Academy. He purchased a luxury apartment in the city, which was featured on South African lifestyle television.
The home is described as modern and minimalist, featuring a trophy display that houses some of his minor awards, while his major Olympic medals remain with his family in Durban for safekeeping.
Personal Life
Chad le Clos’s personal life has often been in the spotlight, partially due to his father, Bert le Clos, who became a viral sensation during the London Olympics for his exuberant TV interviews. The close bond between Chad and his parents is a central theme in his public narrative, especially during his mother’s battle with cancer, which she successfully fought during his preparation for the Rio 2016 Olympics.
Romantically, le Clos was in a long-term relationship with model and former Miss South Africa finalist Jeanni Mulder. The couple dated for four years before splitting in 2022. As of 2025, le Clos has kept his dating life private, focusing heavily on his rehabilitation and swimming career. He is an avid soccer fan and a staunch supporter of Manchester United.
