Joseph Schooling, Singapore’s first and only Olympic gold medalist, has announced his retirement from competitive swimming at the age of 28. The news comes eight years after his remarkable victory in the 100m butterfly at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he made history by defeating legendary swimmer Michael Phelps. In an interview with The Straits Times, Schooling shared his plans to pursue golf and work in venture capital, focusing on health, wellness, technology, and sustainability.

Reflecting on his swimming career, Schooling described the transition from athlete to spectator as “surreal.” He expressed immense gratitude toward his parents, coaches, and support team for enabling him to thrive in the sport. “They gave me the opportunity to freely express who I am in the water,” he noted, highlighting the deep trust and love he felt throughout his journey.

Despite his many achievements, Schooling’s career faced challenges, including a 2022 controversy involving the use of cannabis. This incident was particularly painful for him as he considers himself a role model for younger athletes. He acknowledged the embarrassment and humiliation stemming from this situation.

Throughout his career, Schooling garnered numerous accolades, including being named Sportsman of the Year six times, with five consecutive wins from 2015 to 2019. However, his performance plateaued after winning two gold medals in the 50m and 100m butterfly events at the 2018 Asian Games.

His Olympic record time of 50.39 seconds in Rio remains unmatched, but he candidly admitted to struggles with complacency and overthinking in the years following his historic victory. He recognized that after reaching the pinnacle of success, he lost some focus, which impacted his performance.

Schooling attributed much of his success to the unwavering support of his parents, who made significant sacrifices to send him to The Bolles School in the United States. There, he found mentorship under coach Sergio Lopez, who became a pivotal figure in his life, fostering his competitive spirit. Later, Schooling attended the University of Texas, where he was coached by the renowned Eddie Reese.

As he reminisced about the moments leading to his Olympic triumph, Schooling recalled feeling a sense of ownership over the race, believing it was his to lose. This self-confidence, combined with his rigorous training, propelled him to success. Following his return to Singapore after the Olympics, he was celebrated with a parade, solidifying his status as a national hero.

Schooling hopes his legacy will inspire young athletes in Singapore. He emphasized the importance of representation, saying, “If he can do it, why not me?” His journey serves as a beacon of hope and determination for future generations of athletes in Singapore and beyond.