The experienced pair will captain a 21-member squad at the short-course championships in China from 1 to 6 December.
Johannesburg, South Africa (12 November 2026) – South African swimming stars Chad le Clos and Erin Gallagher will lead the country’s 21-member team at the upcoming World Aquatics Swimming Championships in Beijing, China.
The competition takes place from 1 to 6 December at the Beijing National Aquatics Centre, famously known as the Water Cube, with South Africa looking to build on an impressive showing at the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Le Clos, a four-time Olympic medallist and the most decorated athlete in Commonwealth Games history, will bring plenty of international experience to the team. The 34-year-old extended his Commonwealth medal record to 21 in Glasgow and will compete in the 100m butterfly and relay events in Beijing.
He will share the captaincy with two-time Olympian Gallagher, who enjoyed a strong Commonwealth Games campaign of her own, collecting four medals, including silver in the 50m butterfly.
The sprint specialist is set to compete in the 50m freestyle, 50m and 100m butterfly, as well as the relay events.
Le Clos said he was honoured to officially take on the leadership role alongside Gallagher.
“Obviously very honoured to be the team captain. I feel like, you know, unofficially had that role for a long time now, but just super, super grateful and humbled to be officially the team captain with Erin.”
Gallagher also welcomed the opportunity to lead the young squad, highlighting the energy and enthusiasm within the group.
“Being able to lead this team alongside Chad is an honour I don’t take lightly,” she said. “The energy in this team is incredible.”
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The squad heads to China following a memorable Commonwealth Games campaign, where South Africa’s swimmers contributed 22 of the country’s 25 medals.
Among the standout performers was Pieter Coetzé, who completed a clean sweep of the backstroke events in Glasgow and will be another key name to watch in Beijing.
With Le Clos and Gallagher providing experienced leadership, South Africa will be hoping its emerging talent can make another strong impression on the international stage.
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