Rare Parliament honour for Joseph Schooling
Parliament moves motion to congratulate Schooling on Olympic gold, support Team SG in Rio
Olympic champion comes home to joyous welcome; NS deferred until next Games
By Chua Siang Yee, The Straits Times, 16 Aug 2016
Joseph Schooling's habit of making history continued outside the pool yesterday as he became the first sportsman to be formally congratulated by the Singapore Parliament for his Olympian efforts that captured the nation's imagination.
Hours after he flew into Singapore, proudly displaying the country's first-ever Olympics gold medal, the 21-year-old stood in Parliament, where a motion was moved to hail and acknowledge his achievement.
"This House congratulates swimmer Joseph Issac Schooling for his achievements at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games," Parliament noted.
The country's leaders paid tribute to the moment last week when the swimmer's victory in the 100m butterfly event meant that Majulah Singapura was played at the Olympic Games' medal ceremony for the first time.
"It was a moment of great national pride, not just for Joseph and his family, but for our entire nation," said Minister for Social and Family Development Tan Chuan-Jin, who is also president of the Singapore National Olympic Council. Mr Tan had been present by the pool to watch the swimmer make history.
He also paid tribute to Schooling's parents, Colin and May Schooling, who had dedicated their lives to supporting his dream. "It takes a village to raise an Olympic champion, they say - but, above all, it takes a family," he said.
Schooling later told reporters that he was honoured to be the first sportsman to be acknowledged in this manner by Parliament. "It is pretty cool for me and my family to have that honour and (the) chance for everyone to say the things that they said in front of us. I had goosebumps. It is a privilege."
On an emotional and event-filled day for the young swimmer, it was also announced that his national service (NS) will be deferred until at least the next Olympic Games, four years from now, to give him the best chance to defend the crown he wrested from the likes of swimming legend Michael Phelps.
Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said Schooling's request to extend his NS deferment had been approved by the Armed Forces Council as he had fulfilled all the necessary conditions.
"Joseph can now set his sights on 2020 to defend his Olympic title and win more national glory for Singapore," Dr Ng said in a Facebook post. "Let us all wish him many more achievements and success."
Schooling, himself, got a sense of the powerful emotions his victory has evoked from the moment his flight touched down at 5.35am yesterday. It was greeted by a water cannon salute on the tarmac that Changi Airport had arranged.
More was to come as he walked in to face a sea of supporters chanting his name at the arrival hall of Terminal 3. Some had been waiting for him since 10pm the previous night.
He patiently posed for wefies, signed autographs and received hugs and backslaps.
More greetings are in the works. Sports Singapore is planning an open-top bus victory parade on the streets to celebrate the University of Texas student's achievements.
President Tony Tan Keng Yam, who was in Rio to witness his historic feat, said in a Facebook post that the win could have a positive impact beyond the sporting arena.
Dr Tan said: "It shows that one can achieve the extraordinary if one follows one's passion. I am confident that Schooling's win will inspire more young Singaporeans to follow their dreams.
"Singapore is very proud of Schooling and his supporting crew for making history for Singapore."
Welcome home, Schooling
Big crowd welcomes butterfly king home
More than 500 fans throng Changi Airport early in the morning to meet Singapore's first Olympic gold medallist
By Chua Siang Yee, The Straits Times, 16 Aug 2016
For 50.39 seconds last Saturday, Joseph Schooling brought a nation together as Singaporeans hung on to his every move as he powered to victory in the 100m butterfly Olympic final.
Yesterday, over a similar distance at Changi Airport Terminal 3, there was little chance for another swift performance as more than 500 fans of Singapore's first Olympic gold medallist demanded an audience with their butterfly king.
By about 4am, 1-1/2 hours before Schooling's flight was scheduled to land, a sizeable crowd had formed at the arrival hall.
A fan shouted, probably in jest: "Every day Schooling day, no public holiday." His fellow supporters, mostly decked in red and ranging from primary school pupils to the elderly, were a tad more creative.
Many were there with homemade gifts, such as balloon bouquets and banners thanking their idol. Scarves and mini Singapore flags were popular choices for others. A group of pupils from Anglo-Chinese School (Junior), Schooling's former school, belted out the school song.
Retiree Chua Wee Meng, 70, had been at the airport since 10pm on Sunday. He might have summed up the sentiments of some when he said: "Schooling is handsome and I hope to get a photo with him. It's the best chance I've got."
At about 5am, Mr Colin Schooling arrived to loud cheers from fans, who acknowledged his role in moulding his son into a champion. Addressing the media, the 68-year-old businessman said: "Joseph's motto is 'dare to dream' and I think he's done a good job... Now we have to aim for the world record."
Deputy Prime Minister and former Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) president Teo Chee Hean entered the fray a quarter before 6am, joining sports officials, including SNOC vice-presidents Tan Eng Liang and Annabel Pennefather, in the welcome party.
The anticipation and excitement were palpable after a red "Landed" status appeared next to Schooling's flight, SQ67. When he finally emerged, there was a frenzy as the crowd roared and jostled for a vantage point. Several fans stood on chairs to get a better view, others screamed as Schooling waved at them.
There was a heartwarming scene as father and son, reunited after months apart, embraced each other while the crowd chanted "Joseph, Joseph". His father did not travel to Rio de Janeiro for the Olympics because of health concerns.
After speaking to the officials present, Schooling addressed the crowd, thanking them for making the early trip. He said: "Thank you, everyone. This is not for me, this is for you. I love you guys."
He then spent more than an hour signing autographs and taking pictures with his supporters.
He told The Straits Times later: "I expected there to be people but didn't think there would be so many. It was an early Monday morning after all and people have school and work. It was amazing to see and I'm really thankful for their support."
His mother, Mrs May Schooling, who was on the same flight, said: "It's very heartening and (I'm) happy to see so many people. We are overwhelmed."
The festivities started even before Schooling got out of the plane, as Changi Airport welcomed the aircraft with a water cannon salute on the tarmac. Airport staff also lined the transit area, waving flags to welcome him.
Tampines Junior College student Chew Xinyi, who got Schooling's autograph on her mobile phone cover, said: "My friends will ask if I am crazy, and I'll fall asleep during lectures, but I think it's worth it... I want to see him live in person because he made history for Singapore."
National sprinter and 2008 Olympian Calvin Kang, 26, who was also present, said: "As a fellow athlete, it's a joyous occasion and I want to celebrate with everyone here. You can see that sport really brings people together."
Additional reporting by Alvin Chia and Nicole Chia
Champ enjoys two firsts in the House
It moves motion to formally congratulate Schooling, who also gets standing ovation
By Rachel Au-Yong, The Straits Times, 16 Aug 2016
Swimmer Joseph Schooling walked into Parliament yesterday to enjoy two firsts, besides the Olympic gold he clinched for the country last week.
He was the subject of an unprecedented motion in the House to formally congratulate him on his win.
Four MPs paid tribute to his achievements, but a full House gave him a 30-second standing ovation - another first for a local athlete.
Many were also charmed by him as he snacked and chatted with them during a break.
Last Saturday, Schooling beat swimming greats Michael Phelps, Chad le Clos and Laszlo Cseh in the 100m butterfly and smashed the Olympic record.
While acknowledging the work that the 21-year-old put in to achieve the historic win, Minister for Social and Family Development Tan Chuan-Jin, who tabled the motion, also highlighted the various support systems that brought Schooling to the top of the podium.
At the fore are his parents Colin and May Schooling - "Joseph's No. 1 fans and supporters", said Mr Tan, who is president of the Singapore National Olympic Council.
"They dedicated their lives to supporting Joseph's Olympic dream. They made huge sacrifices to provide the fullest support possible to help their son realise his dreams," he said.
He also acknowledged Sport Singapore for providing the Sports Excellence Scholarship, which allowed Schooling to train full time, and the Defence Ministry for deferring his national service commitments.
Mr Baey Yam Keng, Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community and Youth, said his ministry and Sport Singapore will "continue to support many more young athletes, who have no doubt been inspired by Schooling, to similarly excel and fulfil their sporting aspirations".
He also encouraged Singaporeans to cheer this year's local Paralympians - the largest contingent to date - with the "same fervour and passion" as they did Schooling.
Ms Sylvia Lim (Aljunied GRC) also sought to honour other athletes who represent Singapore, saying: "We know you have put in so much just to get there. Whether you win or lose - we salute you."
Besides raising the profile of local athletes, Schooling's win has brought together a country, said MPs.
Mr Christopher de Souza (Holland-Bukit Timah GRC), noting that Singaporeans of all races supported Schooling throughout the nail-biting minute, said: "All of us roared until you touched the wall."
Similarly, Ms Lim mentioned that a neighbour, who hardly talks to her, struck up a conversation with her in the lift over the race.
Later, some MPs asked the swimmer for selfies. Among them was Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who in a tongue-in-cheek Facebook post shared a photo of him and Schooling and wrote: "Usually people ask me for selfies, but today I felt so proud to ask Joseph for one!"
Later, in another post, he said Schooling has "shown a new generation of aspiring athletes that dreams are worth striving for".
"Many of our athletes have come away from the Olympics with new personal bests, and valuable experience going up against the world's best," he said.
He cited swimmer Quah Zheng Wen, who set two new personal bests, rower Saiyidah Aisyah, who reached the quarter-finals, and sprinter Timothee Yap and shuttler Derek Wong, who faced Usain Bolt and Lee Chong Wei respectively - "both the best in the world".
"They have worked hard, and they all deserve recognition for their efforts," he added.
Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong was impressed with Schooling's appetite, noting in a Facebook post how he "tucked into a curry puff, a cheesecake and a plate of noodles".
Noting that the swimmer has set his sights on more gold medals in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Mr Goh said he was a likeable, mature "young man whose gentlemanliness belies the steel and fire in him".
Was deeply honoured to welcome @josephschooling and his parents, May and Colin Schooling to Parliament House today, where we formally congratulated him on his gold medal and expressed support for @teamsingapore in #Rio2016. Joseph’s win signifies much more than Singapore’s first gold medal. He sweated and sacrificed. With determination and fire in the belly, he has shown a new generation of aspiring athletes that dreams are worth striving for. Achievements, too, are more than medals. Many of our athletes have come away from the Olympics with new personal bests, and valuable experience going up against the world’s best. Swimmer Quah Zheng Wen set two new personal bests in the pool. Rower Saiyidah Aisyah reached the quarterfinals, finishing as 3rd best Asian competitor. Sprinter Timothee Yap and shuttler Derek Wong went up against Usain Bolt and Lee Chong Wei respectively - both the best in the world. They have worked hard, and they all deserve recognition for their efforts. The Games are still ongoing and our athletes are still competing in their respective events. I hope you’ll join me in cheering on our women’s table tennis team in their semifinal match taking place right now! - LHL #OneTeamSG (MCI Photo by Terence Tan)
A photo posted by Lee Hsien Loong (@leehsienloong) on
Aug 15, 2016 at 6:19am PDT
Joseph Schooling's NS deferred till after 2020 Olympics
By Royston Sim, Assistant News Editor, The Straits Times, 15 Aug 2016
Singapore's star swimmer Joseph Schooling will have his national service deferred till after the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
In a statement on Monday (Aug 15), Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said the Armed Forces Council has approved Schooling's request to extend his deferment.
The 21-year-old clinched Singapore's first-ever Olympic gold medal in the 100m Butterfly on Saturday, clocking an Olympic record time of 50.39 seconds.
In the statement, Dr Ng said Schooling has been exemplary in fulfilling the “raison d’etre” for his deferment from 2013 to the 2016 Olympics.
“He trained hard and met all performance milestones on his way to Olympic glory. The rest of his achievements are, as they say, now the stuff of Olympic and Singapore legend,” he said.
His record breaking feat in Rio has “brought national glory to Singapore and filled our entire nation with pride”, Dr Ng added.
In a Facebook post following the statement, Dr Ng wrote: "Joseph can now set his sights on 2020 to defend his Olympic title and win more national glory for Singapore. Let us all wish him many more achievements and success."
In 2013, Dr Ng had told Parliament that NS deferment “may be granted in exceptional circumstances to individual sportsmen, who are assessed to be potential medal winners at international competitions like the Olympic Games and bring national pride for the country”.
Individuals will have to show why deferment is necessary for them to train full-time and compete successfully at international competitions, and each case will be assessed individually in consultation with the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth.
Many people, including the local swimming fraternity, had called for an extension of Schooling’s NS deferment so he could continue his quest for further Olympic glory without any disruptions.
Schooling touched down at Changi Airport on Monday morning to a rapturous reception from hundreds of fans.
He and his family will attend Parliament in the afternoon, where the House plans to move a motion to congratulate him on his victory and express support for Team Singapore athletes.
The motion is a formal recognition of Schooling's achievement in the 100m butterfly final, when he defeated three star swimmers - defending champion Michael Phelps, South African Chad le Clos and Hungarian Lazlo Cseh.
Later on Monday night, the Ministry of Defence replied to queries from The Straits Times about Schooling's national swim mate Quah Zheng Wen, 19, who - in preparation for this year's Rio Olympics - was granted a deferment last year. He is due to enlist after Aug 31 now.
He enjoyed a couple of personal bests and semi-final appearances, shaving off time in both the 100m and 200m fly while securing a top-16 ranking as well.
A MINDEF spokesman said: "MINDEF has not received any application for Mr Quah to be granted further deferment from full-time NS."
Gold medal now, world record next, Schooling tells ACS (Junior) students
By Alvin Chia, The Straits Times, 16 Aug 2016
New Olympic champion Joseph Schooling is not content with just being one. He has already set his sights on breaking the world record in the 100m butterfly.
In an address to 1,607 students who were present at his alma mater Anglo-Chinese School (Junior) at Winstedt Road on Tuesday (Aug 16) morning, the Singaporean swimmer declared that he is gunning for his childhood idol Michael Phelps' world record of 49.82sec, set in 2009 while wearing a hydrodynamic supersuit that is now banned.
The 21-year-old Singaporean set a new Olympic record of 50.39sec last Friday en route to become the Republic's first Olympic gold medallist.
But he is not going to stop there after realising that dream.
In an adddress to the students, Schooling said: "That was my ultimate goal and my aspiration. On hindsight, right now, I thought I'd be content to be an Olympic champion and achieving my goal.
"But in reality, after my race, yes it was nice, it was crazy and everything was just nuts, but right now, I'm kind of looking forward to the next step.
"So my next step would be to try to be the world record holder in that event and breaking Michael's world record.
"What I realised was that you cannot sell yourself short. It's great to achieve your goals but you can't be content with achieving your goal for too long.
"You've got to take that, take the positives and got to move on. You've got to shoot for bigger and better things."
Schooling, who returned to Singapore on Monday (Aug 15), did not manage to get much sleep as he had to wake up early to get to visit the ACS (J) students.
He was a student at the school from 2002-2007 and then at Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) for two years before moving to the Bolles School in Florida in 2009 at the age of 14.
The homecoming of the ACS alumnus created a lot of buzz as pupils waited for his arrival as early as 7am.
Slightly before 8am, he arrived at the school accompanied by his mother May and was greeted by his former teachers before proceeding to the school hall for an assembly programme with Primary 3 to 6 pupils.
As the old boy entered the hall, the pupils gave him a rapturous reception, with chants of "Let's go Schooling!".
"Joseph was a model student as usual, not outstanding in being naughty, always obedient and doing his work spontaneously. He was friendly and got on well with all his peers," recalled Mrs Diana Chia who taught Schooling English when he was in Primary 2.
"I have an acidic tongue but I never really had to scold him. He didn't give us (the teachers) a lot of trouble, there were no major upheavals and he's a good boy."
When he was asked about the toughest training set he had done when he was in primary school, Schooling told his juniors: "We had to do 30 sets of 100 fly, but we ended up doing only 20, that was the hardest (set) I've done and I failed miserably."
"I fail more than I succeed," he added.
Primary 5 pupil Mirza Hameed, who is in the swim team, is motivated to excel in both studies and sport, said: "I'm inspired to work harder in swimming, and to score 98-100 points for Chinese spelling test."
Some students from the ACS fraternity, including ACS (I), ACS (Barker) and Anglo-Chinese Junior College also came to catch a glimpse of the star.
As a custom of the mission school, a prayer opened proceedings in the hall, before a question-and-answer session with the students.
To the envy of the crowd, two pupils had the chance to take a photo with Schooling on stage with his Olympic gold medal hung around their necks.
While his classmates later crowded around him in amazement, one of the pair, Darion Pang, a Primary 3 pupil, said excitedly while using his hands to cover his head: "Today was the best thing (day) ever."
The visit to his alma mater is another stop of Schooling's triumphant homecoming after his win in Rio.
He was formally congratulated in Parliament on Monday, capping off a whirlwind day which started with him being received by hundreds of adoring fans in Changi Airport, to receiving news that his national service deferment had been extended till after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Joseph Schooling: Olympic mark under his belt, now for world record
Swimming hero's open-top bus parade on Thursday will start at 9.30am
By Chua Siang Yee, The Straits Times, 17 Aug 2016
Feted as Singapore's first Olympic gold medallist and with an Olympic record to his name, Joseph Schooling is now aiming for a world record in the 100m butterfly.
But in a reflective mood yesterday when he met the Singapore media, he remembers the time when he nearly gave it all up.
That was during the 2012 London Olympics, which he described as the "lowest point" in his life.
Only minutes before his 200m butterfly heat, he was told that his cap and goggles were not on the list of approved equipment.
He hastily found replacements but was rattled. In the end, he clocked more than two seconds off his then-personal best time of 1min 56.67sec, and failed to make the semi-finals.
"For me, 2012 just sucked," he said. "It did not really motivate me to do anything. If anything, it motivated me not to try anymore. I was too young to comprehend what was going on.
"I was injured, I couldn't swim, I had a bad attitude - those three things did not combine well."
He credits his parents - Colin and May - friends and coach Sergio Lopez for digging him out of the abyss.
He was also inspired by American swimmer Michael Phelps.
"I saw how people looked up to him and I wanted to be in that position. I wanted to be in the position where people looked up to me and used me as a role model," he said at the Sports Hub's Black Box Auditorium.
On Aug 12, Schooling beat Phelps to win the Olympic gold medal in Brazil.
He certainly was an inspiration yesterday morning when he returned to his alma mater, Anglo-Chinese School (Junior) in Winstedt Road.
He arrived just before 8am to screams and cheers from 1,607 pupils, including those from other schools in the ACS family.
Addressing them at the auditorium, he said he was gunning for Phelps' world record time of 49.82sec - even if that 2009 mark was set while wearing a hydrodynamic suit that is now banned.
His Olympic gold medal winning time of last Saturday, 50.39sec, is the fastest ever without a supersuit.
"It's great to achieve your goals but you can't be content with achieving your goal for too long. You've got to shoot for bigger and better things," he said.
"I fail more than I succeed," he added disarmingly.
In the evening, he was at the OCBC Aquatic Centre, scene of his nine-gold haul at last year's SEA Games, to meet national aquatic athletes.
Whether primary school pupils or national swimmers, all wanted a moment with the history-maker and rushed to get an autograph, take a wefie and even touch his medal.
Schooling sportingly obliged as many as he could.
In between the two events, he got a souvenir to mark his achievement - a tattoo of the five Olympics rings on his right bicep.
It was inked at a parlour in North Bridge Road.
It joins a tattoo of the Texas Longhorns, the logo of the swim team at the University of Texas he attends, on his left shoulder.</s