Chad Le Clos out to make Commonwealth Games history

South Africa's Chad Le Clos is excited by his shot at Commonwealth Games history at Birmingham 2022. 

The 30-year-old has won an astonishing 17 medals across three Games so far and will equal the record - jointly held by shooters Michael Gault and Phil Adams - with a podium finish in any of his six events at the Sandwell Aquatic Centre. 

Le Clos begins his quest on Friday in the men's 50m butterfly heats, defending his title from Gold Coast 2018, while he will also defend his 100m and target a fourth straight 200m butterfly gold.

Le Clos pulled out of the world championships last month due to illness but says he is ready for the Games.

"We’ll take that [the medals record] whatever way it comes," he said. "I am very excited. I have prepared as well as I could with everything that has happened, I’m in good shape.

“I don’t make excuses. If I’m going to race, I’m going to race.

“I’m ready to go - whatever that is, if it’s gold, silver or bronze, I’m not sure what it’ll be but I’m confident I’ll pick up a medal or two - or maybe three. We’ll see what happens.”

Team England's Adam Peaty is set to be one of the superstars of Birmingham 2022 as the Olympic and Commonwealth champion goes in search of posting a time that will never be matched.

Peaty has confirmed he intends to compete in four events, defending his men's 100m breaststroke crown as well as hoping to win Commonwealth gold over 50m for the first time.

The 27-year-old was denied the chance to claim his fourth consecutive world double of 50m and 100m breaststroke titles after fracturing a bone in his foot during a freak training accident in May.

His injury initially cast doubt over Peaty’s hopes of competing in Birmingham, but Peaty is determined to slash his own 100m world record of 56.88 seconds.

"It’s a time that no one else can reach – 56.8 probably won’t be touched for a while, but I’m talking about ever,” continued Peaty.

“I wouldn’t be swimming now if I knew I couldn’t break a world record again. It’s just not enough for me to stay in the sport and win and win and win.

“For me it’s all about human excellence, pushing the body and mind as far as it can go. That is extremely tough, but that is exactly where I thrive, in these tough and uncomfortable moments.”

Australia are set to be the nation to beat again on the medal table, having won 73 on home soil four years ago - with England second on 24.

Mitch Larkin won five gold medals in 2018 and will be out to continue his backstroke dominance in Birmingham, starting with the 50m backstroke on Friday.

Eleven-time Paralympic champion Sophie Pascoe will compete at her third Commonwealth Games for New Zealand, focusing on the women's 100m freestyle S9 on day one.