Amidst the excitement of the upcoming World Aquatics Championships, Le Clos took time to interact with OMEGA customers and media representatives, signing autographs and posing for photographs. Representing South Africa at the championships, the athlete expressed his enthusiasm about being back in Doha, a city he considers lucky due to his successful performance in the 2014 World Championships. He highlighted the importance of the event in his preparation for the upcoming Olympic Games, emphasizing Team South Africa's positive progress.
OMEGA, serving as the Official Timekeeper of World Aquatics events since 1973, continues its legacy of precision timekeeping in sports. The brand's association with the World Aquatics Championships dates back to the inception of the event in 1973. OMEGA has a rich history of timekeeping at major sporting events, including 30 occasions as the Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games since 1932.
In an exclusive interview, Chad Le Clos expressed his gratitude for OMEGA's unwavering support throughout his career. He stated, "OMEGA has been an integral part of my journey as an athlete. Their commitment to precision and excellence resonates deeply with me, both in and out of the pool. I am honored to represent such an iconic brand."
The visit to the OMEGA Boutique at Doha Festival City not only reinforced the brand's commitment to sports but also highlighted its dedication to building meaningful connections with ambassadors and watch enthusiasts in the region. The luxurious ambiance of the boutique served as the perfect backdrop for this significant occasion, where the worlds of horology and athleticism converged seamlessly.
Excerpts from the Interview:
Q: How's the preparation going on about the current league at Doha?
A: I appreciate everyone being here today. It's a great pleasure for me to return to Doha. This marks, I believe, my seventh or eighth visit. The first time was during the World Championships in 2014, which turned out to be very successful for me, making this city somewhat of a lucky place for me. I'm genuinely happy to be back.
Doha is such a beautiful city, and our stay downtown has been truly awesome. The preparations are going well, especially with a significant focus on the upcoming Olympic Games just a couple of months away. This serves as valuable preparation for us, and I must say Team South Africa is performing quite well at the moment.
Q: Please tell us more about your partnership with OMEGA. When did you become associated with the brand officially as an ambassador?
A: OMEGA has been like a family to me for the past decade. Our initial encounter took place at the Youth Olympic Games in 2010, the inaugural event for youth athletes. I was only 18 years old. I distinctly recall meeting the OMEGA team – as a young and aware individual, it was a tremendous honor to engage with such a prestigious, blue-chip company.
I officially became a part of the OMEGA family in January 2011, so it has been quite a significant period of time. This association means a lot to me, and I consider OMEGA more than just a brand; it's like a family. Their close involvement with me has been instrumental in innovating sports, particularly in enhancing my performance. Many of the cutting-edge technologies they have introduced go beyond the timepiece – it's about the technical advancements that have contributed to the development of various sports, including Olympic disciplines. I take immense pride in being a brand ambassador, and it's truly amazing to be part of the OMEGA family.
Q: How do you see your personal and professional values aligning with that of the OMEGA brand?
A: I consider OMEGA to be a blue-chip company, and as I mentioned earlier, merely being associated with Omega is an immense honor for both me and my family. Interestingly, my grandfather owned a Seamaster from 85 years ago, a cherished timepiece that we still keep at home. While the strap has been lost over time, it remains a significant piece in our collection.
It's essentially the only watch I had while growing up, as I was quite young and had a chance to experience its unique qualities. This brand holds a special place because it resonates with values such as perseverance, elegance, and class.
Q: What's your favourite Omega watch and why?
A: There are numerous options to choose from, but I would highlight the Gold Ceramics Speedmaster as a remarkable gift from the 2016 Olympics. It comes in various styles such as steel, all gold, steel with a white face. The Speedmaster has always been my favourite, undoubtedly influenced by my upbringing and involvement in swimming.
The "Deep Black Collection," introduced in 2015, is another personal favourite of mine. Its variations in black, gold ceramic, and other elements make it a timeless collection. Additionally, the James Bond limited edition from 2014 holds a special place in my preferences.
Being a devoted fan of the brand, I have consistently aligned myself with excellence, and having Omega as part of my journey has been a significant factor in my success. As I embark on an exciting year, with a strong focus on the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, I am hopeful that my association with Omega will continue to contribute to my achievements.
This week holds particular importance for me, and I am aiming to stand atop the podium.
Q: Omega has been affiliated with numerous international sporting events, with the most prominent being the Olympics. How does it feel to serve as an ambassador for such an esteemed brand, and to what extent does this association support your professional and personal growth as an athlete?
A: Absolutely. To be associated with OMEGA is a source of immense joy for any athlete. As I mentioned earlier, this partnership has not only advanced my personal brand but has also been instrumental on a technical level.
Around a decade ago, we collaborated on the development of new starting blocks in the pool, which proved to be a game-changer in the sport of swimming. One of the most remarkable moments in sporting history occurred in 2016 during the Olympics when there was a three-way tie for the silver medal, involving myself, Michael Phelps, and Laszlo Cseh. The technological advancements, particularly the new starting blocks, played a crucial role. If this event had taken place 50 or 60 years ago without such technology, I might have finished fourth or fifth in that race.
Being a part of the Omega family has been truly rewarding, and I am thrilled to contribute to the ongoing success and innovation in the world of sports.
