Chad le Clos and Erin Gallagher to Captain young South African squad at World Aquatics Championships in Beijing

Swimming South Africa is proud to announce that veteran champions Chad le Clos and Erin Gallagher will lead a dynamic, youthful

national team to the World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m) in Beijing, China, from 1-6 December. The duo will captain a squad brimming with confidence following a standout performance at the recent Commonwealth Games.

The 21-swimmer squad heads to the Beijing National Aquatics Centre-commonly known as the Water Cube, blending experienced leadership with the explosive energy of a new generation that delivered 22 of South Africa's 25 medals in Glasgow.

Chad le Clos (34) enters the championships as the most decorated athlete in Commonwealth Games history. In Glasgow, he extended his record to 21 medals, further cementing a legacy that includes four Olympic medals and 16 world titles. Le Clos, who will compete in the 100m butterfly and relay events, brings invaluable experience to a squad featuring several rising stars. His presence is not merely

historical; he remains a fierce competitor and a mentor to the younger swimmers, having recently established a swimming academy to nurture local talent.

"It is an immense privilege to captain this team," said Le Clos. " Hey guys, yeah, 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. Obviously, we've swum together for many, many years and she's just an unbelievable person, firstly, not just an athlete. I think the readiness of this team is going to surprise a few people. I think obviously Peter (Coetzé) is absolutely in outstanding shape, fresh off his World Cup win, youngest world champion at the same time. So that's my personal goals but yeah, very humbled to be on the team again and looking forward to meeting up with the guys in two and a half weeks' time. Let's go."

Joining him as captain is Gallagher, a two-time Olympian and sprint specialist.

Gallagher, competing in her final Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, delivered a stellar performance, claiming four medals including silver in the 50m butterfly and bronze in the 100m butterfly and relays. Her resilience and sprint prowess will be critical in Beijing, where she is slated to compete in the 50m freestyle, 50m and 100m butterfly, and relay events.

"Being able to lead this team alongside Chad is an honour I don’t take lightly," said Gallagher. "The energy in this team is incredible. Seeing the younger swimmers perform while having so much fun in Glasgow reminded me why I fell in love with this sport. It’s funny, as the veteran of the team, you’d think that the younger swimmers would learn from me but I find myself learning from them and they tend to remind me of my passion for this sport and for representing my country. I want to lead by example in China and hopefully show them that South African swimmers can race against the best in the world.”

The selection follows a remarkable campaign at the Commonwealth Games where South Africa's young swimmers announced themselves on the world stage. While Le Clos and Gallagher provide the veteran steel, the squad's depth is bolstered by the likes of Pieter Coetzé, who headlines the team alongside the captains.

Coetzé (22) completed a historic clean sweep of the backstroke events in Glasgow, setting multiple Games records and establishing himself as one of the sport's most exciting prospects. His performance gives South Africa a formidable presence across all disciplines.

Swimming South Africa believes the blend of Le Clos and Gallagher's leadership with the raw talent of the squad will be key in the short-course format. The team departs with high expectations, aiming to convert their Commonwealth momentum into global podium finishes at the Water Cube.

"Chad and Erin embody the spirit of South African swimming-resilient, competitive, and deeply committed to the team," said a spokesperson for Swimming South Africa. "They have earned the respect of their peers through their performances in the pool and their mentorship out of it. We are confident they will guide this young squad to new heights in Beijing."

The World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m) Beijing 2026 will feature six days of racing, commencing on 1 December.