South Africa's swimming hero Chad le Clos will compete in Stellenbosch this weekend with redemption on his mind.

He will use the Swimming Grand Prix to be held at Coetzenburg from 24-26 February as preparation for the SA National Aquatic Championships in April.

His ultimate goal is to qualify for the 2017 FINA World Championships in Hungary and regain the 200 m butterfly title. Le Clos won the Olympic title in this event in 2012 and the world championships title in 2013. However, at the 2015 FINA World Championships Le Clos was pushed into second place by the Hungarian Laszlo Cseh and at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, Le Clos had to settle for fourth place as Michael Phelps took gold.

"I want to win back that 200 m 'fly title," Le Clos said this week.

"It's been haunting me since last year. I've said it before – it was the worst race of my career. I'd love Michael to come back, but obviously he's not. The only real form of redemption will be winning that gold in Hungary."

He also has his eyes set on the 200 m freestyle and 100 m butterfly titles.

Le Clos will be in action in four events this weekend: the 100 m and 200 m freestyle and the 100 m and 200 m butterfly.

"I feel good about returning to Stellenbosch – in my opinion it is one of the best facilities in the country and the event always has a great atmosphere."

It is the third time that a Grand Prix event will be hosted in Coetzenburg's state-of-the-art Olympic-size swimming pool.

Le Clos won all four items he participated in last year while Olympic silver medallist Cameron van der Burgh, who will be returning for a second time, won the 50m breast stroke event.

Pierre de Roubaix, swimming head coach and sport manager at Stellenbosch University, said it was an honour to host this event in collaboration with Western Cape Aquatics and Swimming South Africa.

"We're delighted that well-known swimmers such as Chad and Cameron keep on returning to this event. It also gives our local swimmers a chance to compete against the best in the country."

Maties swimmer and SA 400 m freestyle champion Caitlin Kat will be in action in the middle distance events. She will be joined by Emma Chelius who brought home three medals from the Durban leg of the Grand Prix series.

Maties Swimming's SA Junior competitor from Rhenish Girls High, Kiara Noades, who won two gold medals in Durban, will have the opportunity to swim in front of her home crowd.

Tickets for the event can be purchased in front of the Maties Gymnasium at Coetzenburg between 13:00-14:00 from Monday 20 February till Thursday 23 February. If available, tickets will also be sold at the gate.

Enquiries on 021 808 4925 (mornings only) or [email protected]

Programme and ticket prices:

24 February – 17:00 heats              R50 per person 25 February – 10:00 finals               R100 per person 25 February – 17:00 heats              R50 per person 26 February – 10:00 finals               R100 per person

Group packages are also available on request.