As Chad Le Clos was busy breaking the all-time Commonwealth Games record in Glasgow on 30 July, a fire erupted in his apartment block in Sea Point, destroying his and several other people’s homes.

Sadly, a 93-year-old resident, Sam Strime, died in the fire at The Dorchester on High Level Road.

READ MORE: Man dies in Sea Point apartment fire as firefighters battle blaze into the night

According to reports, the elderly man had warned a woman carrying a baby to flee before running back inside to rescue his dog. Unfortunately, Strime was unable to exit the building on time and sheltered in the bathroom where he was overcome by smoke. His dog survived.

In an Instagram post this week, the champion swimmer said it had taken him a while to process this tragedy, fresh from the high of breaking the Commonwealth Games record with his 21st career medal in the pool.

“On the evening of 30 July, amidst breaking the all-time Commonwealth record, a fire started in my apartment block, which quickly spread to my home. Sadly my home, where I’ve lived for more than a decade, burnt down and there is nothing left to salvage.”

Le Clos extended his deepest condolences to the family and friends of his neighbour of many years, Sam Strime, who tragically lost his life in this fire.

“No words can truly ease a loss like this, but I hope the family knows that the thoughts of an entire community are with them.”

“To my fellow neighbours whose homes and lives have been severely affected by this fire, please know that you are not alone. This is a tight-knit community, and it is in moments like these that we lean on one another.”

Le Clos also said that together with his Foundation, he has set up a dedicated campaign to assist his neighbours as they rebuild.

“100% of any donations raised will go solely to my neighbours, with the Chad le Clos Foundation managing the proceeds to ensure they are looked after.”

Le Clos has thanked the Fire Department, first responders, SAPS and all emergency services personnel who responded so swiftly and worked tirelessly through the night.

Sam Strime’s son, Kevin, also posted shortly after the tragedy, thanking all the emergency personnel.

“On behalf of our entire family, we would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who responded to the tragic fire that took place on the afternoon of 30 July, in which we lost our beloved dad and grandfather, Sam Strime. We cannot thank you enough for the kindness, compassion, care and support you showed our family. It meant more to us than words can express, and we will always be grateful for everything you did.”

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.