Joseph Schooling of Singapore announces his retirement from swimming at a press conference in Singapore, April 2, 2024. /CFP
Joseph Schooling, Singapore's only Olympic gold medalist, announced on Tuesday his retirement from swimming.
"Today marks the beginning of a new chapter – I will be retiring from competitive swimming," Schooling posted on Facebook. "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."
Known as "Singapore's Flying Fish," in his country, Schooling won the men's 100-meter butterfly title at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. He finished the competition in 50.39 seconds and beat the original "Flying Fish" Michael Phelps of the U.S., Chad le Clos of South Africa and Laszlo Cseh of Hungary, all three of whom finished in 51.15 seconds, in the event's final.
Joseph Schooling of Singapore wins the men's 100-meter butterfly gold medal of the Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, August 12, 2016. /CFP
Securing the gold at Rio 2016 became the biggest highlight in Schooling's career. He never stood on the Olympic podium again and didn't qualify for the 2023 Asian Games.
Nonetheless, the 28-year-old will still be remembered as one of the greatest athletes in Singapore's history with one Olympic gold, three Asian Games titles and 29 Southeast Asian Games championships.
"While I am stepping away from competing, swimming will forever be a part of who I am," Schooling said. "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."