Breaststroke Legend: 2012 Olympic Gold Medallist Cameron van der Burgh Returns to Competition
GQEHERHA, South Africa – South African swimming star Cameron van der Burgh, the celebrated 2012 Olympic gold medallist in the 100m breaststroke, is set to dive back into the competitive pool at the national championships here in April 2026, marking a bold comeback nearly seven years after hanging up his goggles in 2018.
At 37 years old, van der Burgh’s return has sparked excitement among fans and fellow athletes, blending nostalgia for his glory days with curiosity about how this father and businessman will fare in today’s fast-paced sport. Known for his powerful strokes and unbreakable focus, he aims to test his skills against younger swimmers while chasing a spot at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. This move comes after a life filled with family joys, career shifts, and a fresh spark to rediscover his passion for the water. As he gears up, his story reminds us that age is just a number when drive and experience team up.
A Storied Career Filled with Medals and Records
Cameron van der Burgh burst onto the global stage as one of South Africa’s finest breaststroke swimmers, earning a reputation for speed and grit. Born in Pretoria in 1988, he started making waves early, but his big break came at the 2012 London Olympics. There, he clinched gold in the 100m breaststroke with a world-record time of 58.46 seconds, a mark that stood for years and ranks him eighth all-time in the event. He followed that with a silver medal in the same race at the 2016 Rio Olympics, proving his staying power at the top.
His trophy cabinet shines with more than just Olympic hardware. At long-course World Championships, he grabbed two golds in the 50m breaststroke in 2009 and 2013, plus silvers and bronzes in both 50m and 100m events across multiple years, totalling 10 medals. In short-course Worlds, he was even more dominant, securing eight medals including golds in the 50m breaststroke in 2016 and 2018, and the 100m in 2010 and 2018. The Commonwealth Games were another highlight, where he won multiple golds in the 50m and 100m breaststroke from 2010 to 2018, along with relay medals.
Van der Burgh’s personal bests tell a tale of excellence: in long course, 58.46 for 100m and 26.54 for 50m (13th all-time), and in short course, a blazing 25.25 for 50m (second all-time) and 55.61 for 100m (seventh all-time). He held the long-course 100m world record from 2009 to 2021, a feat that cemented his legacy. Off the pool deck, he faced scrutiny after admitting to using extra dolphin kicks in underwater pullouts during his 2012 win, a move against rules at the time but one he said was common. Through it all, his career showed what hard work and smart racing can achieve.
The Retirement Years and Spark for a Comeback
After his last splash at the 2018 Short Course World Championships in Hangzhou, where he won a golden double in the 50m and 100m breaststroke – including a championship record in his final race – van der Burgh called it quits. He had planned to push through to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, but life pulled him elsewhere. Freshly married in 2017, he wanted to build a family and dive into a new career at a London-based hedge fund focused on oil trading. The shift let him step away from the grind of daily training and embrace fatherhood and business life.
But by late 2025, something stirred. Living in Dubai with his family, van der Burgh found himself with a bit more free time and a renewed itch for the sport. On the first episode of his podcast, Back to the Blocks, he shared his thoughts: “I’m at a point in my life where, as a father and a professional, I want to return to the world of high-level sport.” He explained it is not about ego anymore, but purpose: “It’s gonna be a lot more difficult. However, because I have this huge muscle memory and kind of, you know, training in the bank, we’re not starting at zero.” This comeback is about balance – mixing swims with family time and work – and showing his kids what chasing dreams looks like.
The addition of the 50m breaststroke to the Olympic programme since 2016 played a role too. It lets him focus on speed bursts rather than longer grinds, fitting his current life. He sees this as a fresh chapter, one tied to well-being and family, not just chasing times or titles.
First Steps Back in the Water
Van der Burgh wasted no time testing the waters. In December 2025, he jumped into the Speedo Invitational Short Course Meet in Dubai, racing the 50m breaststroke as his first competitive swim in years. It was a low-key start, but a big step to shake off rust and feel the thrill again. He also underwent a World Anti-Doping Agency test, shared on social media, showing his commitment to clean sport and ruling out any shortcuts like controversial events.
Training now looks different. With years of experience stored in his muscles, he focuses on smart, efficient sessions in the pool and gym. Speed is key, as he eyes the 50m events. “I think with a mix of good luck, smart training is gonna be the most important thing here,” he said. Living in Dubai gives him access to top facilities, helping him juggle it all without uprooting his family.
His early swims are building blocks, leading to a masters-level meet in February 2026. These smaller events let him ease in, fine-tune his form, and build confidence before bigger challenges.
Eyes on Nationals and the Road to LA 2028
The national championships in Gqeberha this April will be van der Burgh’s real proving ground. Held at the Newton Park Swimming Pool, the event draws South Africa’s best, offering a chance to qualify for international meets and gauge his progress. At 37, he will face a new generation of swimmers, but his track record suggests he could surprise many. South Africa has not sent a male breaststroker to the Olympics since his era, with the last being Michael Houlie in 2021, so his return could boost the team’s depth.
Looking further, van der Burgh has his sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The 50m breaststroke’s spot on the schedule suits him perfectly, and he plans to qualify through World Aquatics events. “This journey is gonna be a lot of fun,” he shared, highlighting a mindset shift to enjoyment over pressure. For South African swimming, his comeback could inspire others, especially as the sport seeks to rebuild after missing some spots in recent Games.
Challenges lie ahead – balancing life demands, staying injury-free, and matching younger rivals’ pace. But van der Burgh’s history of breaking barriers, like being the first South African to win Olympic swimming gold since 2004, shows he thrives under odds.
Legacy and Inspiration for the Next Generation
Van der Burgh’s story goes beyond medals. As a role model, he has pushed South African swimming forward, mentoring young talents and promoting the sport through his podcast and public talks. His return at this stage sends a message: it is never too late to chase what lights you up, especially with family as your anchor.
For fans, this comeback revives memories of his world-beating days while adding a new chapter. Whether he makes LA 2028 or not, his drive to blend high performance with real life offers lessons for all. As April nears, eyes will be on Gqeberha, where this breaststroke legend steps back into the spotlight, ready to make waves once more.
🔴Central News Special Edition | Issue 124: Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Ngathe Municipality Brings Water Back To Tumahole Taps After 20 Years Of Struggle🔴
Download Here:
Direct PDF File Here:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Central-News-Issue-114-1.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info: info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube