SPECIAL EPISODE: Chad le Clos on Making Commonwealth Games History, Family and Perspective
1 September 2026
When Chad le Clos joined Richard Sutton on Shift Happens in Season One, he spoke openly about his ambitions for the Commonwealth Games. He had unfinished business, a point to prove, and history firmly in his sights.
Now he’s back.
In this special episode, Chad returns home having done exactly what he set out to do, becoming the most successful swimmer in Commonwealth Games history.
But this conversation is about far more than medals.
As Chad celebrated one of the greatest achievements of his career, he received devastating news from Scotland. His apartment building back home was on fire. His neighbour had tragically lost his life.
In a matter of hours, triumph and tragedy collided.
Chad sits down with Richard Sutton to reflect on the extraordinary journey, the people who believed in him before he fully believed in himself, and the sacrifices his family made to help him chase a dream.
He talks about seeing his parents in the stands, returning to the same pool where his journey began more than a decade earlier, and the powerful perspective they gave him when everything changed.
They also discuss why celebrating the success of others matters, the future of South African swimming, and what it takes to build a sporting culture capable of competing with the world’s best.
This is a story about making history, losing perspective and finding it again.
A conversation about success, sacrifice, family, tragedy and understanding what truly matters.
IN THIS EPISODE:
• Chad le Clos becomes the most successful swimmer in Commonwealth Games history
• Returning to the pool where his journey began
• Seeing his parents in the stands, years after London 2012
• The sacrifices his family made to support his career
• Why his family believed in him before he fully believed in himself
• Celebrating the success of others instead of envying it
• The devastating fire at his apartment building
• Processing triumph and tragedy at the same time
• The perspective his parents gave him after the fire
• Why Chad believes South African swimming can become a global force
ABOUT RICHARD SUTTON:
Richard Sutton is the founder and CEO of SuttonHealth, founder of The Performance Code, and a globally recognised expert in stress management, resilience, and human performance. He is the author of The Stress Code, Stressproof – The Game Plan, and Shift Happens.
For more than 25 years, Richard has worked with leaders, athletes, organisations and healthcare professionals to help people thrive under pressure and unlock their full potential.
LEARN MORE:
SuttonHealth: https://suttonhealth.co.za/
FirstLight Healthcare: https://www.firstlight.healthcare/
Buy Richard Sutton’s latest book, Shift Happens:
https://www.panmacmillan.co.za/author
FOLLOW RICHARD:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realrichardsutton/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-sutton-thrive/