Joseph Schooling, born on June 16, 1995 in Singapore, has established himself as one of the greatest swimmers in his country and a global sports icon. A specialist in the butterfly stroke, Schooling has represented Singapore in three Olympic Games and has even won the gold medal in the 100 meter butterfly at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, an achievement that helped consolidate his image as an athlete. very capable.
A promising start
Since childhood, the young swimmer showed exceptional swimming ability. He entered the Singapore Sports School, where he began to forge his sports career.
His dedication and skills allowed him to reach the United States, where he continued his training at the University of Texas at Austin. This meant a fundamental step in his career, as it allowed him to compete at a higher level and face the best swimmers in the world.
A historic milestone in the Olympic games
On August 13, 2016, in one of the most anticipated finals of the Olympic Games, Joseph made history by beating his childhood idol, Michael Phelps, in the 100-meter butterfly final.
With a time of 50.39 seconds, the swimmer not only took the gold medal, but also set a new Olympic record. This triumph was monumental both for him and for Singapore, which celebrated its first Olympic gold medal in history.
His legacy in swimming
In addition to his success at the Olympic Games, Schooling has made his mark at other major international events. The outstanding athlete managed to win bronze medals at the 2015 and 2017 World Swimming Championships, and has been one of the most notable competitors in the Southeast Asian Games. His excellent ability to break national and Asian records has built his reputation as one of the greatest swimmers in Singapore history.
However, Schooling’s career has not been all rosy. In 2022, while serving his mandatory military service, he admitted to using marijuana before a competition in Vietnam, sparking controversy in the media and among his fans. Despite not receiving a formal sporting sanction, he was fined and banned from competing and training for the duration of his service. This episode highlighted the difficulties elite athletes face in managing pressure and expectation.
A new beginning
In April 2024, Joseph Schooling announced his retirement from competitive swimming at just 28 years old. In an emotional message to his followers, he expressed his gratitude for his experiences in sports and his desire to explore new passions.
“This day marks the beginning of a new chapter… I am full of gratitude for every experience that swimming has brought to my life,” he declared on his social networks.
Off the water, Joseph is known for his academic focus and commitment to the community. He graduated in Economics and has been an advocate for youth sports in Singapore.
Additionally, his impact on swimming has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Singapore Meritorious Service Medal in 2016, highlighting his contribution to the sport in the country.
Source: https://reporteasia.com/deportes/2024/11/06/joseph-schooling-nadador-estrella-singapur/
