By Duncan Mackay

Chad le Clos in poolJuly 3 - South Africa's Chad le Clos, who shot to worldwide prominence at London 2012 when he beat Michael Phelps to win the Olympic gold medal in the 200 metres butterfly, has signed with the Professional Sports Group, a leading marketing company.


The 21-year-old from Durban joins a stable of athletes at the Professional Sports Group which already includes former rower Sir Matthew Pinsent, triathletes Alistair and Jonny Brownlee, boxer Nicola Adams and diver Tom Daley.

The Professional Sports Group, who are based in Surrey in England but also have offices in Abh Dhabi, will handle all of le Clos' commercial and media activities globally and will work with him on the development of his own brand, media profile and partnership strategy in the build-up to Rio 2016.

"We're delighted to be working for Chad," said Jamie Cunningham, chief executive and founder of the Professional Sports Group.

"Chad is one of the few global stars of swimming in this post-Phelps era.

"He could well be one of the stars of next year's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and should peak at Rio in in 2016.

"Chad is one of the few international swimmers who can work globally with brands outside of his sport and make a real commercial impact.

"We'll be working on his digital platforms as well as developing a new brand media strategy."

Bert le ClosChad le Clos' father, Bert, has been representing his son since London 2012 and will remain closely involved in his affairs after he signed with the Professional Sports Group

The swimmer's father Bert, who was also became a star of London 2012 following an emotional interview on BBC Television with Clare Balding  has represented him since the Olympics and will remain involved with his son's career.

"Bert has done an amazing job as a father, mentor and adviser to Chad," said Cunningham.

"We're delighted to be working with Bert and will help him with media opportunities.

"Chad's a great communicator with a strong work ethic and family values.

"Whilst home is South Africa, where he enjoys incredible support, Chad can become a global sports star – of that I have no doubt.

"Most importantly, Chad's a winner.

"He has that competitive fire that separates the great from the good, as we saw in London last year."

Le Clos, who also won a gold medal in the 200m butterfly at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi and at the 2011 FINA Short Course Swimming World Championships in Dubai, is looking forward to working with his new agent. 

"I'm delighted to join Professional Sports Group," he said.

"I believe they are the right team to help me with the next stage of my career and I'm looking forward to working with them."

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