Le Clos bettered his own world record which was set two years and four days ago at the 2014 World Championships in Doha.

Le Clos shaved 0.36 seconds off the time as he touched the wall in 48.08 seconds to win the gold and set the new benchmark.

The win means that he also claimed the 100m – 200m double at the World Champs after winning the 200m butterfly in 1:48.76 on Wednesday.

On Friday Le Clos touched the wall nearly a full second faster than Tom Shields of the USA who clinched silver in 49.04 seconds.

Australia’s David Morgan took the bronze in 49.31 seconds.

Le Clos has been chasing the world record since first winning it in Qatar and he says didn't expect to achieve it this time round.

“Not really, I expected to be close, I thought I would be just off again,” said South Africa’s most decorated swimmer.

“You have to be a bit fortunate to get the world record but breaking it by forty splits is quite a long way.

“It’s exciting, I’m very proud of my performance.”

Le Clos dedicated the world record to his mother, Geraldine, and his dad, Bert, who were both diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.

“It means everything, it’s been a hard year for me and there is no secret about that.

“This world record was for my mom and my dad and the rest of my family.”

Earlier in the week Le Clos also won the silver in the men’s 200m freestyle in a time of 1:41.64.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport