Johannesburg - The OR Tambo International Airport came to a standstill on Thursday as the South African swimming team touched down from the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The swimming squad arrived just before noon after walking through customs, where they declared 12 medals.
Despite the obvious tiredness, there was a glow in their eyes as revellers cheered and blew vuvuzelas at the arrival hall.
The team finished the competition with 12 medals, including three gold, three silver and six bronze.
Swimming sensation Chad le Clos won a record seven medals, with gold in the 100m and 200m butterfly, silver in the 4 x 100m freestyle, and bronze in the 50m butterfly, 200m individual medley, 4 x 200m freestyle relay, and the 4 x 100m medley relay.
The 22-year-old global superstar equalled the previous best of seven medals set by Australian legend Ian Thorpe at the 2002 Manchester Games.
Le Clos told the media that the Glasgow games have been an amazing experience and that the last week and a half has been an emotional journey for him.
Donning his medals, the smiling Le Clos said he was proud of the whole team as they stepped up their game in the relays.
“The relay is an event where everyone diving in is swimming their best. The young stars came out and had their hands counted,” he said, adding this shows that the future of the South African swimming team is bright.
Even the veteran Roland Schoeman admitted that the memories from Glasgow will stay with him forever.
The highlight for Le Clos was winning the two gold medals and the medley relay, which they came second to Australia. Le Clos was confident that they showed them that they can beat them next time. He said the relays showed true team spirit and unity.
Le Clos, who battled with asthma at the games, sent a big thank you not only to his teammates but the support staff, coaches, doctors and friends.
"There was no way I could have got any more medals. I did the best I could and I am really delighted and proud of myself at the way things have turned out."
Head coach Graham Hill called the team’s performance a “great achievement after a long, hard journey”.
After Wednesday’s action, South Africa is in seventh place on the medal table, with seven gold, 10 silver and 12 bronze medals for a total haul of 31 in all.
England tops the standings with 38 gold, 35 silver and 32 bronze medals, bringing their total to 105.
Australia, with 35 gold, 32 silver and 39 bronze is in second place, with 106 in all.
Canada's 22 gold, seven silver and 22 bronze medals has the North Americans in third place. – SAnews.gov.za
