Joseph Schooling: My mistake was the complacency to think that this will last forever

Eight years after his stunning success at the Rio Olympics, Singapore’s greatest athlete Joseph Schooling has called time on his career and has announced his retirement.
In an exclusive interview, Joseph talks frankly to ST assistant sports editor Rohit Brijnath about his career – from the Olympic gold to mistakes made, and the next chapter of his life.

0:23 Getting used to retirement
0:58 The downsides of fame
1:51 Life after gold
3:09 Mistakes after 2016
3:37 Overconfident? Entitled?
4:59 Volatile in the pool
6:19 Advice from Michael Phelps
7:22 The cannabis episode
9:31 The next chapter

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#straitstimes #josephschooling #retirement

[nicholasgoh]

He won the Olympic gold medal for Singapore on his own with the support from his family. Nothing to do with the system and I think Singaporeans should thank him for that Olympic moment. He should be proud to be a sports legend in history. Good luck and all the best!

[theWatchowskiBrosNowSis]

He doesn’t owe anyone or S’pore an apology he won the Olympic gold on his own accord his family not through the S’pore system.
Happy retirement Olympic champ!

[jtbroker]

Singapore's only Olympic gold medallist, made history, made sacrifices throughout since young. I think ppl should cut him some slack. all the best champ!

[marthenryb]

Singapore's first OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL. Historical. Blessed nation and always be thankful. Thank you Joseph!

[ckc]

As a swim parent in Texas who has been to the Univ of Texas (UT) Austin pool many times, I remember seeing your name on their pool record board & feeling quite proud that an Asian swimmer has made such a mark. Best of luck in your retirement Joseph!

[danialrhn]

Olympic Champion. No one can ever take that away from you. Happy retirement legend!

[vincentong]

Joseph Schooling's historic victory at the 2016 Olympics showed that even the smallest nations can achieve global sporting greatness. Schooling's dedication and resilience since the age of 6 have inspired countless Singaporeans, embodying the belief that with hard work and determination, any dream is achievable. His legacy transcends the gold medal; it's a beacon of hope, encouraging us to pursue excellence, challenge limits, and believe in the boundless potential within. Thank you, Joseph, for lifting our nation's spirit and showing us the power of dreams.

[kixigvak]

I'm 76 years old and once upon a time I was a fast butterfly swimmer. You've been a real inspiration to me. Take my advice and stay in reasonably good shape. It's tough to make the transition from top level to maintaining fitness. But you'll find your comfortable place.

[LWC]

I have a lot of respect for this young man. He went through 2 lifetimes of experiences, more than what most of us will ever go through. The self-awareness and humility he showed through this interview indicates that he is learning and reflecting from it. I won't remember him for his drug use, I will remember him as the guy who set his sights on a singular goal and worked super hard at it until he achieved it. Discipline, determination, diligence. Every single day.

He scaled the Mount Everest in terms of sports. Even if he is no longer at the top (or he took a tumble), it doesn't take away anything from his achievement. Remember the day he won? All of us were jumping up and down, beaming from pride that he did it! Pure joy! Thanks for giving that special moment to us, Joseph!

[silenthill]

Thank you, ST for this insightful and honest interview with the most accomplished SG athlete of this generation.
Thank you, Joseph for the candid replies and to you and especially, your parents for all your contributions in making SG proud, representing us and being sensible and responsible at this stage in your career.
My personal hope is that although you may have retired from competitive swimming as a swimmer, SG competitive swimming would have not seen the last of you!

[crosbyong]

We all make mistakes. But not many, of us can be an Olympian, even less, an Olympian champion. Thank you for what you’ve done and achieved for us. It’s good that you’ve taken time to mull over all that’s happened, and is moving on with the next chapter of your life. I wish you all the best in all your endeavour. Take care.

[Abraham-ukxy]

He is the product of the USA University sports system. He did it himself with his parents financial support and huge.motivation especially from his mother. If he was from the Singapore sports system he wouldn't have won the gold. He owes Singapore nothing. Happy retirement sir.

[DanSurprise]

Awesome interview! I hope Joseph can coach the next generation swimmers to another Olympic medal.

[joegoh]

I wonder if Singaporean realise how difficult it is to even qualify for the Olympics. What Schooling did can be considered a miracle.

[logix]

Got to give it to him for his honesty!

[kiansoon]

To be a champion is one awesome life milestone - to live beyond that takes much more wisdoms and careful life choices. As said, you are the platform and cannot live for yourself anymore. With retirement, you have officially stepped down. All the best and thank you for bringing joys to Singapore

[mamemo]

Some ppl said that he became cocky after winning the Olympics, but I've never got that from him. He seems to be a really nice kid who got lost without proper guidance, and who can blame him? Ppl criticising him have already forgotten the mistakes they made when they were younger.

[TofiYee]

Joseph your story is inspiring to many. The reality in life is there is up and down, knowing how to become better in each cycle, sharing with others how to do so will give meaning to life. What you are doing now is exactly that. Meanwhile keep your head up high above the water!

[zainabali]

All the best to you Jo. You can do it!🫶🏊🏽‍♂️

[TheFireflyer]

After watching tge interview, i have a lot more respect for you. Thank you for the honesty. It inspired me a lot and helped me to understand myself better. I am at your father's age. You are at 28. I can only tell you life is getting tougher and tougher. Where to go next ? Who to hang around with ? You are on your own, my friend. Be wise.