Le Clos to get hero's welcome in Dbn

Durban’s golden boy Chad le Clos can expect a hero’s welcome when he arrives home tomorrow after winning two medals for swimming at the Olympic Games in London.

Le Clos will be greeted by friends, family and fans when he touches down tomorrow afternoon at King Shaka International Airport with his coach, Graham Hill.

The swimmer’s victory over champion Michael Phelps has been described as one of the biggest upsets at this year’s Games.

Le Clos defeated Phelps in the 200m butterfly, winning the gold medal.

A few days later, he was narrowly pipped to the post by Phelps in the 100m butterfly, in which he won silver.

“The whole family will be at the airport [tomorrow]. Everybody from Westville and Penzance will be there as well,” his sister Bianca Matos said yesterday.

The swimmer has been training in Europe for the last three months.

“I have been communicating with him often, but the last time I spoke to him was three days before his first race. We are all desperate to see him, so we can scream and cry,” she laughed.

Le Clos has brought pride to his former high school, Westville Boys’ High, and his primary school, Penzance.

Westville said it would send “as many boys as possible” to the airport to meet “their idol”.

“They are so excited, and we are sure he will be visiting the school soon,” said a school spokesman.

Le Clos will also be met at the airport by MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation Ntombikayise Sibhidla.