South African swimming superstar Chad le Clos will be taking on the gruelling 8-Mile Charity Challenge at next year’s aQuellé Midmar Mile, lending his support to those swimmers raising money for the Chad le Clos Foundation at the event next February.
The 2012 Olympic champion has long been associated with the world’s largest open-water swimming event but has not participated on a regular basis, rather focusing his efforts on the pool, where he has carved out an impressive international career.
While he’s often been on the edge of the famous KwaZulu-Natal dam lending his support, Le Clos said he’s thrilled to be taking part in a bigger way next year. “I’m very excited. To be honest, I haven't swum much at Midmar,” he said. “I've always been there whenever I could… I've always supported the Midmar Mile long before my foundation was involved, but I just really love to be there. I think it's a great day. I think from the Thursday through to the Sunday, it's just a great weekend,” he said.
The 33-year-old star added that the inclusiveness of the event remains one of its standout features. “I think what's quite unique about Midmar is that it seems to grow every year, and the fact that it just gives everybody of all ages the opportunity to compete. You know, you can be in your 80s… it's incredible. Swimming is a great sport for everybody.”
Le Clos will arrive at the aQuellé Midmar Mile after an extended break from competitive swimming, having stepped away from the pool earlier this year to recover fully from lingering injuries. The layoff has served its purpose, and the Olympic champion is now firmly targeting a return to top form, with qualification for next July’s Commonwealth Games the first step as he builds back towards elite competition.
While his long-term focus is on regaining race sharpness, the 8-Mile Charity Challenge provides an opportunity to channel his efforts into something more meaningful than medals. “In terms of the foundation, it's been a huge blessing to be a part of Midmar. Last year we raised a decent amount of money for charity, which is really, really great,” he said.
Established in 2018, the Chad le Clos Foundation works to create safer access to water across South Africa through drowning-prevention initiatives, water-safety education, and community engagement. Its programmes include developing young swimmers from disadvantaged communities, supporting promising talent with coaching and competition opportunities, and launching long-term projects aimed at reducing drownings in open-water and pool environments.
For Le Clos, swimming the 8-Mile Challenge is a way to connect with those supporting the cause. “For me personally, I'm really excited to swim the eight miles. I'm going to be doing a mile with each of the people who are swimming for my foundation,” he explained.
“So I'll be swimming a mile with each and just trying to lend my name and try to be the best I can, for the kids, to be honest.”
Having already raised millions for charity since the aQuellé Midmar Mile 8 and 16-Mile Charity Challenge began, organisers expect another impactful year of generating funds for worthy causes.
The 53rd aQuellé Midmar Mile takes place from 5-8 February 2026, with the Charity Challenge events on the first two days and the main events on the last two. Entries are currently open at www.midmarmile.com with Early Bird prices coming to an end on 21 December. Those individuals or companies eager to contribute to the Charity Challenge can head to: https://midmarmile.com/pages/how-to-fundraise-for-the-charity-challenge