The date 02.04.2024 is one likely to be remembered by Singaporeans — today, the country’s first Olympic gold medallist Joseph Schooling has announced that he is quitting competitive swimming and is ready for the “next phase of life”.
In an Instagram post early this morning, Schooling wrote: “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter — I will be retiring from competitive swimming.
“I am filled with gratitude for every experience that swimming has brought into my life. The victories were exhilarating, the defeats humbling, and together, they have forged a resilience in me that I will carry forward into my next chapter.
“Needless to say, I owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to my family, coaches, teammates, and my supporters; your encouragement and faith have been a constant source of motivation throughout my journey.
“While I am stepping away from competing, swimming will forever be a part of who I am. It has given me a platform to inspire others to chase their dreams, no matter the odds.
“I am eager to explore new passions, face different challenges, and see where this next phase of life takes me. Thank you to my supporters for standing by me every step of the way. I hope you will join me as I embark on this new adventure.
“With love, Joseph Schooling.”
About 24,500 people have so far responded to this Instagram post, among them Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
PM Lee wrote: “Thank you for flying our flag high. All the best for your next chapter!”
Schooling, now aged 28, made Singapore go wild with joy when he won the country’s first ever Olympic gold medal at the Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympic Games in 2016.
Not only did Schooling win gold, but he also beat the American legend Michael Phelps in the 100 metres butterfly race with a time of 50.39 seconds. It was as great a triumph as it could be for the young swimmer, nicknamed “Singapore’s Flying Fish”.
Though he could not repeat his gold-winning performance at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 (deferred due the pandemic and held in July-August 2021), the champion’s aura has remained with Schooling, who uses his swimming fame to promote the game of golf.
Just a few months after the Tokyo Olympics, the Singaporean champion lost his father, Colin, in November 2021. In a post dated December 6, 2021, Schooling wrote: “Two weeks of life without Dad. It takes getting used to but Mum and I are doing our best. It’s odd to not come home to conversations with him on the sofa, conversations that are peppered with his famous one-liners that I try my best to live up to.”
This December 2021 Instagram post captured the essence of what Schooling had learnt from his father: “Indeed, life will never be the same but I can hear him now, ‘Son, life carries on. Do your best. No regrets.’”
Perhaps that sums up why Schooling is able to look forward to his life now as a “regular Joe”. The winner of the most coveted sports medal in the world said after this morning’s announcement that it was his turn “to be a normal guy”.
Following the Instagram post stating that he was “retiring from competitive swimming”, the Singaporean champion held a media conference at the Chinese Swimming Club.
As questions came rushing at him about his future plans, Schooling said, as quoted by The Straits Times, “I don’t like the connotation of retirement, because it sounds like there’s nothing to look forward to next as an athlete. I want to be the best in my field, and I will continue putting the same amount of effort, dedication, and focus in the next phase of my career.”
Responding to a question about a possible foray into politics, Schooling smiled and said, “Never say never, but for now I’m focused on playing golf, my venture capital, my swim school, and helping out mum at the office. It’s my turn to be a normal guy.”
Joseph Schooling, the making of a champion
- At the age of 14, Joseph Schooling went from Singapore to the United States to train under Olympic medallist Sergio Lopez.
- At the age of 16, he made his debut at the SEA Games 2011, winning two gold medals — 50m and 200m butterfly.
- The SEA Games 2011 performance helped him qualify for the London Olympics 2012.
- At the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2014, he won a silver medal for Singapore in the 100m butterfly race.
- His biggest moment came at the Rio Olympics 2016, when he raced past Michael Phelps to claim gold in the 100m butterfly competition.