While para-swimmer Nathan Hendricks won the country’s first gold medal of the Games, it was Le Clos who grabbed the headlines by becoming the most decorated male athlete in Commonwealth Games history.

The 34-year-old anchored South Africa’s men’s 4x100m freestyle relay team to bronze at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre, collecting a record-breaking 19th Commonwealth Games medal.

??? Fresh off his golden performance, Nathan Hendricks shares his thoughts on becoming a Commonwealth Games champion. ??#TeamSA #ForMyCountry pic.twitter.com/K6Z2YfHx1m

— Team South Africa (@OfficialTeamRSA) July 24, 2026The remarkable journey began on 4 October 2010 in New Delhi. Sixteen years and 5 772 days later, Le Clos once again stood on the podium after producing a superb anchor leg of 48.29 seconds - the fastest split of the South African quartet of Pieter Coetze, Guy Brooks and Ruard van Renen.

South Africa finished behind Australia and England, but the bronze medal carried far greater significance than its colour. It confirmed Le Clos as the most successful male athlete in Commonwealth Games history and added another chapter to an already glittering career.

Glasgow has always been a happy hunting ground for the Durban star. He won seven medals there in 2014, having claimed five in New Delhi in 2010, another five on the Gold Coast in 2018, one in Birmingham in 2022 and now his historic 19th medal in 2026.

Nathan Hendricks. Photo: Anton Geyser

His collection now stands at seven gold, four silver and eight bronze medals, with eight of those coming in relay events.

Afterwards, an emotional Le Clos praised his teammates for helping him achieve the milestone.

“I couldn’t have done it without the boys. Everyone pulled their weight tonight. We wanted to do it for South Africa, and I’m delighted to finally get medal number 19 after chasing it for eight years.

“Twelve years ago I was the youngster in this relay team, and Roland Schoeman was 34. Now I’m 34, and these young guys have incredible futures.”

"The job isn't finished yet." ??

Fresh off a new African record, Danika Vyncke reflects on her performance and turns her attention to the final.#TeamSA #ForMyCountry pic.twitter.com/WYrntjTIKb

— Team South Africa (@OfficialTeamRSA) July 24, 2026

“My dad was in tears. It’s very emotional. I’ve never given up, despite some dark times. Once I’m in a fight, I give it everything.”

Earlier in the evening, Nathan Hendricks opened South Africa’s medal account by winning gold in the visually impaired S13 100m freestyle. The 21-year-old led from start to finish to secure the biggest victory of his career.

“I’m ecstatic. This is my first senior medal, and I’m incredibly grateful. This gold is a gift to everyone who has helped me along the way,” said Hendricks.

“I’m still in shock, but I’ve still got the 50m freestyle to come, so hopefully there’s another medal waiting.”

South Africa’s women also climbed onto the podium after winning bronze in the 4x100m freestyle relay. Erin Gallagher played a key role despite having already qualified for the women’s 50m butterfly final earlier in the evening.

“Luckily the programme ran a little behind, so I had more time to recover,” said Gallagher. “It was a proper team effort and so special racing alongside my best friends.”

Olivia Nel produced an outstanding final leg to lift South Africa from fourth into the medals.

“I definitely felt the pressure, but the coaches reminded me I was swimming the anchor leg for a reason. I focused on my own race, and it paid off. It really was a fantastic team effort.”

Pieter Coetzé. Photo: Anton Geyser

The opening night also highlighted South Africa’s impressive medal prospects for the remainder of the swimming programme.

Pieter Coetzé dominated the men’s 50m backstroke, lowering the Commonwealth Games record to 24.45 seconds in the heats before improving it to 24.29 seconds in the semi-finals. Alongside Ruard van Renen, he comfortably booked his place in the final and will start among the favourites for gold.

South Africa will also have three swimmers in the women’s 50m butterfly final after Gallagher, Jessica Thompson and Caitlin de Lange all progressed, while Michael Houlie and Chris Smith remain outside medal contenders in the men’s 100m breaststroke. The mixed 4x100m freestyle relay also offers another realistic medal opportunity.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg