Singapore’s “Golden Boy” Who Beat Michael Phelps Reflects on His Rise and Retirement
Joseph Schooling, the Singaporean swimmer who made history by defeating the legendary Michael Phelps at the 2016 Rio Olympics, has recently announced his retirement from competitive swimming. The news has left the nation both proud and nostalgic, as they reflect on Schooling’s remarkable journey to becoming a household name and an inspiration to many.
The Beginning of a Legend
Born and raised in Singapore, Joseph Schooling was introduced to swimming at a young age by his father, Colin Schooling, who was also a national swimmer. It didn’t take long for the young prodigy to show his promise, and by the age of 13, he was already breaking national records in his age group.
As he progressed through his teenage years, Schooling continued to dominate in the pool, winning multiple medals at various international competitions and setting new records along the way. However, his ultimate goal was to compete at the Olympic Games, and he had his sights set on one particular opponent – the most decorated Olympian of all time, Michael Phelps.
The Race that Made History
At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Schooling’s dream became a reality when he qualified for the 100m butterfly final alongside his childhood idol, Phelps. The butterfly stroke was Phelps’ specialty, and he had won the gold medal in this event in the past three Olympiads. But this time, there was a new contender in the race – Schooling.
In a nail-biting and exhilarating race, Schooling touched the wall first, clocking in at 50.39 seconds. He not only became the first Singaporean to win an Olympic gold medal but also set a new Olympic record. The 21-year-old had done the impossible, beating his idol and one of the greatest swimmers in history.
Celebrations erupted in Singapore as the nation rejoiced in Schooling’s victory. His achievement was a testament to his hard work, determination, and unwavering belief in himself. But for Schooling, this was just the beginning of his incredible journey.
A True Champion’s Mentality
Schooling’s success didn’t stop at the 2016 Olympics. He continued to make history, winning several medals at various international competitions and breaking records along the way. He also competed in the 2018 Asian Games, where he won a total of six medals, including five golds.
Despite his many successes, Schooling remained grounded and humble throughout. He always credited his parents, coaches, and teammates for their unwavering support and believed that he was representing not only himself but his entire country in the pool.
The Rise and Fall
Unfortunately, Schooling’s career was not without its share of setbacks. In 2018, he underwent surgery for a herniated disc, which affected his performance in the pool. He also struggled with injuries and illnesses, which hindered his training and resulted in a dip in his performance.
Despite these challenges, Schooling never gave up. He continued to work hard and remained focused on his goals, determined to make a comeback. However, the COVID-19 pandemic put a temporary halt to his plans as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics got postponed to 2021.
Retiring on a High Note
After much contemplation, Schooling has announced his retirement from competitive swimming. At the age of 26, he feels that it’s time to move on and pursue other passions in his life. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
As he reflects on his journey, Schooling remembers the lessons he learned along the way. Perseverance, discipline, and resilience were some of the key values that helped him become the champion he is today. He hopes to pass on these values to the youth of Singapore and inspire them to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals.
Looking Ahead
Although Schooling may have retired from competitive swimming, his impact on the sport and the nation will be forever etched in history. He has shown that with dedication and hard work, anything is possible, and his story will continue to motivate individuals to push beyond their limits.
As Schooling embarks on a new chapter in his life, Singapore will continue to support him and cheer for him in his future endeavors. He will always be remembered as the “golden boy” who beat Michael Phelps, a true champion who brought glory to his country and
