Singapore’s Only Olympic Gold Medalist Joseph Schooling Announces Retirement
In a heartfelt announcement that marks the end of an era for Singaporean swimming, Joseph Schooling, the city-state’s only Olympic gold medalist, has declared his retirement from competitive swimming at the age of 28. Known affectionately as “Singapore’s Flying Fish,” Schooling’s departure from the pool closes a chapter filled with historic achievements, national pride, and personal trials.
Joseph Schooling catapulted to international fame at the Rio Olympics in 2016, securing Singapore’s first-ever Olympic gold in a stunning victory. Competing in the 100-metre butterfly, Schooling not only achieved a personal best time of 50.39 seconds but also triumphed over American swimming legend Michael Phelps, his childhood hero, in Phelps’s last individual Olympic race. This victory was not just a milestone for Schooling but a monumental achievement for Singapore, bringing the nation its first Olympic gold medal.
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Despite this unparalleled high, the subsequent years proved challenging for Schooling. Following his Olympic success, he faced difficulties replicating his performance on the global stage. A bronze medal at the 2017 World Championships stood out as a notable achievement amidst struggles to reach the podium again, including an early exit during the heats in his title defence at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
Schooling’s announcement, shared through a heartfelt message on Facebook, reflects a mature decision to embrace change and pursue new avenues in life. He expressed no regrets, emphasizing gratitude for the experiences, victories, and defeats encountered throughout his swimming career. These moments, both exhilarating and humbling, have shaped him into a resilient individual ready to tackle new challenges ahead.
Despite facing more defeats than victories in the years following his Olympic triumph, Schooling’s contribution to swimming and Singapore’s sports legacy is indelible. He retires with an impressive haul of medals from the Asian Games and the Southeast Asian Games, in addition to holding eight Singapore records.
His journey, however, has not been without controversy. In 2022, Schooling faced backlash for using cannabis while on leave from military service in Vietnam, an incident that led to a public apology and exclusion from the Singapore team for the delayed Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Looking forward, Schooling is keen on exploring new passions and facing different challenges. His retirement from swimming does not signify a departure from the sport’s influence on his life but rather a transition into a new phase where he aims to inspire others and chase new dreams.
Joseph Schooling’s story is one of extraordinary achievement, personal growth, and the inevitable ebbs and flows of a sporting career. As Singapore’s only Olympic gold medalist steps away from competitive swimming, his legacy as a trailblazer, a national hero, and an inspiration to aspiring athletes remains undisputed. His future endeavours, much like his time in the pool, promise to be watched with anticipation and support by those he has inspired across Singapore and the world
