Chad le Clos has revealed that his battle with asthma had a big impact on his preparations for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The South African collected seven medals in the pool to equal the record set by Ian Thorpe, but he admits that he was unsure whether he could perform to the best of his ability at the Games.
"I was on three different pumps and struggling, and not entirely confident coming to these Games," Le Clos told reporters. "I tried to keep my illness under cover as I didn't want to let the opposition know I was a bit down.
"There was no way I could have got any more medals. I did the best I could and I am really delighted and proud of myself at the way things have turned out."
Le Clos won two golds, a silver and four bronze medals in Glasgow.
