Rising star Matt Sates and veteran Chad le Clos carried the South African flag high as they raced to two gold medals on the first day of the Swimming World Cup in Berlin

The SA mark was held by Myles Brown of 3:37,91 set in 2013 and the Africa record held by Oussama Mellouli of 3:36,75 set in 2008!

Racing arch rival Danas Rapsys from Lithuania and USA’s Kieran Smith, the strong finish from Sates was once again evident to win by almost a second.

Sates was back in the water on the final event of the evening, and it ended so close for him as he finished just 0,1sec off the gold in the mens 100m IM in an excellent 51,62sec, edged out by Thomas Ceccon - but happy with another personal best on day 1.

“I’m happy with the first day’s results as I wasn’t really expecting the records so that’s a bonus,” said Sates. “I’m hoping to keep this form here in Berlin as this is where it all started last year!”

Chad Le Clos made it two golds for the South Africans as he raced to an encouraging victory in the mens 100m butterfly, clocking close to his personal best with a 48,58sec! Recently joining Dirk Lange in Frankfurt, a great result for Chad as he and Sates prepare for the World Short Course Championships in December.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better start to the Berlin World Cup,” said Le Clos, “I’m really happy with the work I am doing here in Germany with Dirk Lange!”

Le Clos beat lead from the start and beat Swiss Noe Ponti and Italian Matteo Rivolta comfortably.