The 2012 Olympic champion, Le Clos, finished 5th in heat five in a time of 1:55.96 to earn the 16th spot in the semi-finals.

Le Clos was just .08 seconds away from being eliminated from the event in which he famously beat the legendary Michael Phelps in during 2012 Summer Games in London.

In what was by far the fastest heat, the world record holder and reigning world champion, Kristof Milak, of Hungary touched the wall in 1:53.58.

Le Clos was still in the hunt after the first 100m of the race before Milak and Brazil's  Leonardo de Deus began to pull ahead.

The first men's 200m butterfly semi-final will take place on Tuesday morning, while Tatjana Schoenmaker will swim in the women’s 100m breaststroke final.

Earlier on Monday, the Olympic record holder, Schoenmaker, qualified for what is her first-ever final at the Games.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport