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Chad le Clos celebrating after winning his record-breaking 21st Commonwealth Games medal in Glasgow.

Chad le Clos celebrates after becoming the most decorated athlete in Commonwealth Games history with his 21st medal at the 2026 Games in Glasgow. Photo: ANTON GEYSER/TeamSA

Home Sports Chad le Clos makes Commonwealth Games history with record-breaking 21st medal

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Chad le Clos makes Commonwealth Games history with record-breaking 21st medal

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Byron Lukas

South African swimming legend Chad le Clos has become the most decorated athlete in Commonwealth Games history after winning a record-breaking 21st medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The 34-year-old secured the historic milestone in the final swimming event of the Games, helping South Africa’s men’s 4x100m medley relay team to another podium finish at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre.

The achievement sees Le Clos stand alone at the top of the all-time Commonwealth Games medal table, surpassing Australian swimming star Emma McKeon.

A record nearly 16 years in the making

Le Clos first announced himself on the Commonwealth Games stage in Delhi on 4 October 2010 when he claimed gold in the 200m butterfly.

Nearly 16 years later, after competing at five editions of the Games, he has rewritten the history books.

His tally now stands at 21 Commonwealth Games medals:

Seven gold
Five silver
Nine bronze

No athlete across any sport has won more medals in Commonwealth Games history.

Glasgow delivers historic finish

Heading into Glasgow, Le Clos needed three medals to move past McKeon, who had overtaken him at the top of the all-time standings.

He achieved exactly that through relay events, eventually securing the record-breaking 21st medal with South Africa’s men’s 4x100m medley relay team.

The moment was made even more special with his parents, siblings and extended family watching from the stands.

An emotional milestone

Reflecting on his remarkable Commonwealth Games journey, Le Clos admitted he never imagined reaching such a historic achievement.

“Looking back on the whole Commonwealth Games journey, from India through to now, I never thought I’d be standing here,” Le Clos said.

“To stand alone in history is unbelievable. Four years ago, I needed one more medal, then Emma (McKeon) came past me, and suddenly I needed three more. We just took it one day at a time.”