Joseph Schooling, the first and only Olympic champion from Singapore, recently announced his retirement from competitive swimming. His name was popularly known in the sport for defeating his idol, the swimming legend Michael Phelps, in Rio. He revealed this huge news eight years after winning against Phelps in the 100-meter butterfly category.
In an Instagram post, Schooling expressed: “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter — I will be retiring from competitive swimming… I am filled with gratitude for every experience that swimming has brought into my life. 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.”
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Schooling: On being complacent
In an interview with Strait Times newspaper, Schooling admitted that he had become complacent on where he is in his swimming career.
Schooling admitted: “Add on ego, add on pride. Add on that ‘I’m never going to be shut down attitude’. That’s a recipe for complacency. That’s one of the lessons that I learnt.”
When he announced he was not fully prepared to compete at the Asian and Southeast Asian Games last year, doubts were raised about his future. However, he is confident to learn and explore as he ventures into a new journey.
“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… I am eager to explore new passions, face different challenges, and see where this next phase of life takes me. Thank you to my supporters for standing by me every step of the way. I hope you will join me as I embark on this new adventure,” he concluded his social media post.
Cover Photo: IG
Source: Inquirer
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