Chad le Clos

My whole swimming career was about training to beat Michael Phelps in any race I possibly could. ”

I believe now that I've cemented my spot as the best swimmer in the world, and I can't describe how proud that makes me. I just want to keep working hard and hopefully just inspire more youngsters to keep swimming and encourage South Africans to become a winning nation. ”

When I'm alone in my hotel room in some foreign place, I feel very lonely. Then I tuck into my favourite chocolate - Chuckles or Whispers - for some comfort. ”

What I want to say is that nobody is unbeatable. There's a kid out there who probably wants to beat me. I train hard and try to be the best that I can be, but I don't disrespect my opponents. I am not disillusioned, either. ”

Whenever I go out with a girl for a meal, I'm recognised, and I hear, 'That's Chad's girl,' before anyone even approaches for a picture. I can't take arrogance and rude behaviour, and I really get a lot of it. ”

Everyone can train hard when they are feeling good. But it's the days when you're feeling bad that you have to step up. That's when champions step up. They pull through. ”

I wasn't used to all these cameras getting stuck in my face. I feel like Justin Bieber sometimes. ”

Soccer was my first love, and I enjoyed playing on the left wing until a groin injury forced me out of the game in 2008. ”

My dad always taught me never to give up in my mind. You can never really beat me. It sounds ridiculous, but I will always come back for you. You can't beat someone who never gives up. I could lose 100 times to you, but I will always get you. I will die trying. This applies not only to swimming but to my life as well. ”

I realise every swimmer has a shelf life. No, I haven't given any thought to when I will retire, but I also know I won't be able to swim forever. ”