“I called Joseph Isaac Schooling in Rio to congratulate him”.
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In a statement yesterday, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen explained that Schooling had “satisfied all prescribed conditions” for his 2013 deferment.
“I wanted to see the golden boy”, the 17-year-old Sim said as he clutched a pair of red swimming trunks that he hoped to get autographed.
Businesses are also joining in on the celebratory mood, offering discounts and freebies to customers in conjunction with Schooling’s victory.
“I had goosebumps”, Schooling later told reporters of the visit.
From a time of 52.67 seconds in Myanmar in 2013 to a 51.76 in Incheon in 2014 to a 50.96 at the world champs in Kazan, Schooling was only getting faster as Rio approached.
The girl, who studies at the University of Texas – ignored the advances of a certain Joseph Schooling.
“I lost momentum, and it was heartbreaking, because that’s when they had 50m freestyle for the first time”, added Ang, who finished third in the “B” final of that event in Seoul.
Schooling’s 68-year-old father, Colin Schooling, was also present to welcome his son home, as he had been unable to travel to Rio de Janeiro for the games due to health concerns.
Rio de Janeiro, Aug 13: It was a historic night (August 12) for Singapore at Rio Olympics 2016 as Joseph Isaac Schooling stopped United States legend Michael Phelps to win gold in 100m butterfly event.
Schooling, who lives in Austin, Texas, posted a picture of his medal on Instagram, alongside the caption: “Well”.
Some fans waited more than six hours at the airport to catch a glimpse of Schooling.
The youthful looking Schooling might be unknown to the rest of the world, but in swimming circles he has solid credentials.
Meanwhile, Schooling received a 30-second long standing ovation from a packed Parliament yesterday, after the politicians moved a motion to formally recognise the swimmer’s Olympic achievement. “So I telephoned his parents and got in touch with him and said what can we do together?” “This is not just for me, but for all of you”, Schooling said in a brief speech before wading into the crowd of some 500 people including an global media contingent.
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By winning his country’s first olympic gold, Schooling earned a bonus of $1 million dollars.
