The team, including gold medallist Chad Le Clos, travelled to Aspetar as part of their preparations for the Rio Olympics 2016.

During their stay at Aspetar, the team made full use of the hospital’s world-class facilities and equipment. This included the altitude dormitory which enables local or visiting teams to ‘live high-train low’ by residing and sleeping in comfort at a moderate altitude, while training near sea level or at simulated altitude. This system allows athletes to improve endurance capabilities by stimulating the body to increase the production of red blood cells, thus increasing the proportion of oxygen in the blood.

The South African swimming team met with Aspetar’s sports medicine experts as well as highly trained sports science research team regularly utilise state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to collect data that can be used to allow athletes to reach their full potential. The research conducted by Aspetar is grouped into thematic pillars which include Injury Prevention, Sports Medicine, Injuries, and Athlete Health & Performance.

Commenting on his stay at Aspetar, Olympic gold medallist Chad le Clos said:

Every time we come to Aspetar we feel very privileged and fortunate. This is my sixth visit since 2013 and whenever the team and I have travelled here, we have been made to feel right at home. The support and expertise of the team and world-leading equipment and facilities have been a real help in enabling me to train and perform to the best of my abilities. Our visits to Aspetar will most definitely help us in our preparations both for the Olympics and other world championships

Graham Hill, South Africa’s 2015 Coach of the Year, said:

It’s good to be back at Aspetar. Our partnership with the hospital produces real benefits for both sides and we look forward to its successful continuation in the future. We’re pleased with the progress our young team is making in preparation for the Olympics in Rio and other major tournaments. Our time here will definitely help in our pursuit of sporting success

Aspetar provides its medical and scientific capabilities to enable athletes to train and compete to their full potential. It has become the destination of choice for the provision of sports medicine care, injury and illness prevention for athletes and clubs from around the world