Le Clos realises lifelong dream of beating Phelps to win Olympic gold

Johannesburg - South African swimmer Chad le Clos realised his lifelong dream Tuesday night by beating Michael Phelps to win gold in the 200m butterfly.

Le Clos beat Phelps by a fingertip, in a time of 1:52.96. Phelps came in at 1:53.01. The 14-time Olympic gold medallist was the defending champion in the event.
 
"That's been my dream, ever since I was a little boy. Michael is my hero. I just wanted to race in the final, and now, I've won it. I can't believe it, I really can't," he was quoted as saying on the BBC's website.

There was delight on social networks, Sport24 reports.

Swimmer Cameron van der Burgh, who won South Africa's first London Olympic gold medal on Sunday night, tweeted: "CHAD LE CLOS!!!!!!! WHAT A FINISH!!"

One Alex Voitov reacted with: "Phelps - close but not le clos enough ;) Chad Le Clos, what a boykie!"

Olympic gold medalist Ryk Neethling tweeted: "I almost got kicked out of the stadium bc [because] of my cheering. What a boykie! Just incredible. Well done coach @HillGrahamhill !!!"

South African actor Rob Van Vuuren reacted with: "Wow, I loved watching South African twitter explode as Chad took gold."

Singer Karen Zoid added: "And then Phelps DID get his 19th medal. What a cool night."