SA’s 4x100m relay team claims silver in Glasgow

Chad le Clos continued his seven-medal campaign with a 48.53 first leg. Roland Schoeman extended the lead before handing over to Leith Shankland. Despite swimming the fastest leg the Australian world champion James Magnussen clawed 0.65 seconds off the lead.

It boiled down to 19-year-old Caydon Muller versus Cameron McEvoy, the man tipped to push Magnussen for the gold in the individual 100m freestyle.

Muller, who fought bravely, surrendered the lead after the turn, but was able to hold off the English challenge to secure silver in 3:15.17.

The Australian quartet reduced the Games record of 3:13.92 that they set in Delhi to 3:13.44.

“I’ve never been so nervous in a race before,” said relay novice Muller. “When he (McEvoy) came past I thought ‘keep pushing as hard as you can. Just do it for the team’. They’ve burnt their hearts out for me, so I’m going to do it for them,” said the 19-year-old who had to keep England at bay.

“It’s just an inspired performance ­- Caydon’s a youngster, everyone just pulling together and we got a medal,” said Schoeman.

“It’s been a long time since we had a relay team like this. To be able to step up and come away with a silver as close to the Aussies is pretty cool.”

– Sapa