Chad le Clos's apartment in South Africa was destroyed by a fire while he was becoming the most successful athlete in Commonwealth Games history last week.
The tragedy took place the night after the swimmer made history in Glasgow. He landed his 21st medal - overtaking Australia's Emma McKeon as the athlete with the most medals in Commonwealths history - when South Africa took bronze in the men's 4x100m medley relay.
It was the 34-year-old's third medal of the 2026 Games, where he also won silver in the mixed 4x100 medley and bronze in the men's 4x100 freestyle relays.
Fire at home
But while he was making history in Scotland, back home in South Africa a fire destroyed his long-term home in Sea Point, Cape Town and killed one of his neighbours.
He said on Instagram: "It has taken me a while to process this heartbreaking tragedy. On the evening of 30 July, amid breaking the all-time Commonwealth record, a fire started in my apartment block, which quickly spread to my home."
"Sadly my home, where I've lived for more than a decade, burnt down and there is nothing left to salvage. No words can truly ease a loss like this, but I hope the family knows that the thoughts of an entire community are with them."
"It is with a heavy heart that I extend my deepest and most sincere condolences to the family and friends of my neighbour of many years, who tragically lost his life in this fire. No words can truly ease a loss like this, but I hope the family knows that the thoughts of an entire community are with them."
According to local reports a 93-year-old man tragically died.
Community support
Le Clos also added: "To my fellow neighbours whose homes and lives have been severely affected by this fire, please know that you are not alone. This is a tight-knit community and it is in moments like these that we lean on one another."
"I also want to express my heartfelt thanks for the overwhelming support shown by family, friends and the broader community. Watching neighbours come together to help one another has been a genuine source of comfort amid the tragedy."
"Finally, thank you to the Fire Department, first responders, SAPS and all emergency services personnel who responded so swiftly and worked tirelessly through the night."
Career highlights
Le Clos shot to prominence when he famously beat Michael Phelps to win 200m butterfly gold at the London Olympics in 2012. Phelps was a 14-time Olympic champion and had not lost in the event since 2001 before he was outgunned.
It led to a now iconic interview, which has stood the test of time, between BBC's Clare Balding and Bert le Clos, Chad's father. Alongside that legendary gold he also picked up the silver in the 100m butterfly. Four years later in Rio de Janeiro he came second in the 200m freestyle and the 100 butterfly.
The South African won his first Commonwealth medal in Delhi in 2010 at the age of 18 and now boasts seven gold, five silver and nine bronze medals having competed at five editions of the Games.
