Chad le Clos tops podium in men's 100m butterfly

Chad le Clos of South Africa became the new world champion in the men’s butterfly event. He stopped the watch at 50.56 leaving his nearest rival, Laszlo Cseh of Hungary, behind (50.87). A few days ago, in the men’s 200m butterfly event, the standings on the podium had been quite the opposite: Laszlo Cseh had taken gold while Chad le Clos had settled for third place. The bronze medal of today’s event went to Joseph Isaac Schooling, a swimmer from Singapore, who finished the distance in 50.96.

In his interview after winning silver in the 100m butterfly race, Chad le Clos had expressed hope of winning gold in the 200m event:

"I started really well and I tried to push really hard int he first half of the race. I wanted to see if I could scare them off in the first 100m. But it did not work out today. I am massively disappointed not to win. Massive congratulations to Laszlo Cseh. Obviously, I am a little disappointed that I did not get to the podium there. I believe I can win in the 100m butterfly." As it turns out, his words were prophetic. 

FINA Worlds. Swimming.

Men. 100m butterfly

1. Chad LE CLOS (RSA) – 50.5

2. Laszlo CSEH (HUN) – 50.87

3. Joseph SCHOOLING (SIN) – 50.96

Kazan Arena Stadium. August 8.

Press Office of Organising Committee for 16th FINA World Championships