2-4-2024 (SINGAPORE) Joseph Schooling, the Olympic gold medalist, has announced his retirement from competitive swimming, marking the end of an illustrious career that saw him achieve numerous milestones in the sport.
Making the announcement on his Instagram page early today, Schooling described the decision as the beginning of a new chapter in his life. Reflecting on his journey, he expressed gratitude for the victories and defeats that have shaped him, highlighting the resilience he has developed along the way.
“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,” he shared.
Schooling’s ascent to swimming stardom began with a silver medal win in the 100m butterfly race at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, a historic achievement for Singapore. Subsequently, he dominated the 2015 SEA Games, clinching nine gold medals, and secured Singapore’s first-ever medal at the 2015 FINA World Championships with a bronze.
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However, his crowning glory came at the 2016 Olympics, where he secured Singapore’s maiden Olympic gold medal in the 100m butterfly, defeating renowned swimmers Michael Phelps and Chad le Clos while setting a new Olympic record. His triumph was celebrated nationwide, marked by a victory parade to honour his historic achievement.
Despite facing challenges in subsequent years, including setbacks at the 2019 swimming world championships and the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, as well as personal loss with his father’s passing in 2021, Schooling continued to compete at a high level.
In 2022, he enlisted in National Service and disclosed consuming cannabis overseas, facing repercussions. His withdrawal from the 2023 SEA Games and exclusion from the Hangzhou Asian Games followed.
Looking ahead, Schooling expressed optimism for new adventures and thanked his family, coaches, teammates, and supporters for their unwavering encouragement and faith throughout his career.
