South African swimming legend Chad le Clos has revealed his entire apartment was destroyed and a neighbour died in a fire at their Cape Town apartment block just after he made history at the Commonwealth Games.

The 34-year-old broke Australian great Emma McKeon’s record of 20 medals when he won his third medal of Glasgow 2026 and 21st overall.

But his feat has now been tinged with sadness after learning soon after the race that he had lost everything and his beloved neighbour.

“It has taken me a while to process this heartbreaking tragedy,” Le Clos said.

“On the evening of July 30, amidst breaking the all-time Commonwealth record, a fire started in my apartment block, which quickly spread to my home.

“Sadly my home, where I’ve lived for more than a decade, burnt down and there is nothing left to salvage.”

Local reports say the resident who died was a 93-year-old man who went back into the building to save his dog.

A nanny, a toddler and a baby escaped with the help of another resident, while multiple firefighters were also said to have suffered injuries fighting the blaze.

Le Clos has now rallied for his community, opening a fundraiser with his foundation leading the rebuild.

“It is with a heavy heart that I extend my deepest and most sincere condolences to the family and friends of my neighbour of many years, who tragically lost his life in this fire,” he wrote.

“No words can truly ease a loss like this, but I hope the family knows that the thoughts of an entire community are with them.

“To my fellow neighbours whose homes and lives have been severely affected by this fire, please know that you are not alone. This is a tight-knit community and it is in moments like these that we lean on one another.

“Together with my foundation, I have set up a dedicated campaign to solely assist my neighbours as they embark on a very difficult journey rebuilding.

“One hundred per cent of any donations raised will go solely to my neighbours, with the Chad le Clos Foundation managing the proceeds to ensure they are looked after. Any donation is appreciated.

“I also want to express my heartfelt thanks for the overwhelming support shown by family, friends and the broader community.

“Watching neighbours come together to help one another has been a genuine source of comfort amid the tragedy.

“Finally, thank you to the Fire Department, first responders, SAPS and all emergency services personnel who responded so swiftly and worked tirelessly through the night.”

Le Clos won his first Commonwealth Games medals at Delhi 2010, including his first two golds.

He won two more gold medals at Glasgow 2014 and three at Gold Coast 2018 but settled for two silvers and two bronzes across Birmingham 2022 and Glasgow 2026 to bring his total to 21.

“Really hard to put into words what this past week has meant for me. Been chasing this record since 2018 and to finally have it feels unreal,” he wrote last week.

“Wanna thank my teammates for helping me getting over the line, my coach Delon Dannhauser for everything, the Chad le Clos Academy and partners and of course the supporters in South Africa and the world for believing in me.”

Le Clos most famously upset Michael Phelps for 200m butterfly gold at the London 2012 Olympics.