SINGAPORE: On Tuesday, April 2, Singapore’s lone Olympic gold champion, Joseph Schooling, declared his retirement from competitive swimming.
Everyone must eventually turn the page and begin a new chapter. Before announcing the news on social media, the 28-year-old told CNA’s Alif Amsyar, “This is my time to do that, this is my official retirement.”
At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Schooling created history for Singapore by defeating his idol, Michael Phelps, to win gold in the 100-meter butterfly.
He owns eight national records: two for relays and six for solo events. Schooling stated that he had been considering retirement for “quite some time” and intended to concentrate on his swim school.
“I was prepared to take on a new task. The thrill I felt upon waking up at four years old was gone. I was still trying to figure out how I could get to Paris. He remarked, “I’d always told myself I’d finish when I was 29.”
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.”
It is exhausting to alter one’s identity, perception, and routine. It’s pretty scary. However, I also believe that as athletes, it’s critical to focus on developing other abilities and not centering your entire identity around your sport.” Schooling wrote on Instagram that he is “filled with gratitude” for all the experiences swimming has given him.
