Singaporean butterfly king Joseph Schooling is entering a new chapter in his nation’s sporting history. The 20-year-old World Championships bronze medalist, who has already written himself into Singapore Swimming’s record books, will now be a part of the “Aspirations” time capsule.
The “Aspirations” time capsule was sealed yesterday and contains 50 items of Singapore’s sporting heritage, including a cap and buoy once worn and used by Schooling. The items are meant to be symbolic of Singapore’s sporting aspirations and, in Schooling’s case, are accompanied by a note which reads as follows:
“9 gold medals, 9 Games records at the 28th SEA Games. He said, “A true champion races with good character.
He isn’t a sore loser. He picks himself up, trains and swims harder and doesn’t complain about it.”
Singaporean swimmer Zachary Ian Tan also saw a possession of his sealed into the capsule, as his contributed a 400m IM medal. Of the honor, Tan says, “To be selected to contribute an item among the other well-known athletes shows that I am developing in the right direction. This will also keep me focused on my dreams and aspirations to be an Olympic athlete in the future.”
Says Prime Minister Lee Hsein Loong of the contributed sporting memorabilia, “the selected items are specially chosen to reflect the aspirations of Youth and sport in Singapore … to inspire the next generation, providing opportunities through sport that will bond the community while encouraging them to stay active; and a caring and cohesive society where everyone will have the opportunity to participate in the sport of their choice.”
The Aspiration capsule will be unearthed in 2040, when the nation of Singapore turns 75.
