Joseph Schooling Stuns The World; Defeats Phelps To Win 100 Fly Gold

2016 RIO OLYMPIC GAMES

On day 7 of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, rising star Joseph Schooling shocked the world in the men’s 100 fly final, winning gold and stopping Michael Phelps from taking four straight titles in the event. Schooling won the race with a huge personal best time of 50.39, breaking the previous Olympic Record of 50.58 done by Michael Phelps at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Since Phelps first added the 100 fly to his slate of Olympic events in 2004, no one had ever beaten him. Had he won the race, Phelps would’ve added another 4-peat to his list of accomplishments. Instead, he wound up tied for 2nd place in 51.14 with both Chad Le Clos (RSA) and Laszlo Cseh (HUN). Coming into 2016, Phelps, Cseh, and Le Clos were pegged as favorites to race for the gold medal.

This is Schooling’s 2nd Olympic Games appearance for Singapore, but tonight was the first time he’s ever swum in an Olympic final. Schooling is now the 3rd fastest performer ever, behind only Phelps’ 49.82 and Milorad Cavic‘s 49.96 from the 2009 World Championships in Rome. It was the fastest textile swim in history.

Schooling’s win gave him the largest margin of victory in the men’s 100 fly since Mark Spitz won the race at the 1972 Olympics.

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Billabong
7 years ago

I have a friend in Singapore who didn’t know who he was until 6 weeks ago. She is now so proud of him. As she should be. Well done. The King is dead. Long live the King!

Terence Chua
7 years ago

Besides Eddie Reese, a lot of credit also goes to Sergio Lopez – Bolles sch and Singapore coach. We Singaporeans are so proud of Joseph’s win, in record textile time! Phelps was gracious in defeat, what a champion he is.

Terence Chua
7 years ago

Schooling has worked really hard, and a lot of credit goes to the coaches Sergio Lopez and Eddie Reese. We Singaporeans are really proud of his achievement. Phelps was very gracious to lose his pet event too, what a champion he showed he is! !

Swim2win
7 years ago

If you follow Vegas betting odds as of a few days ago if you placed $100 on Schooling you would have earned $1,500 (including ur $100) that’s x15! After the semis it dropped to $300 x3.

I feel bad for all the people that gambled on Phelps but don’t really know much about swimming lol, I knew phelps would lose because he didn’t have the front end speed in the semis. I just thought maybe he had something up his sleeves since he was maybe tired from the 200IM finals

Buee
7 years ago

LIVING LEGEND ✓ GOOD AT EVERY STROKE ✓ IQ OVER 9000 ✓ OLYMPIC CHAMPION ✓ SLAYER ✓ ALWAYS RIGHT ✓ MUST BE J-GOD

Shibly
7 years ago

end of an era…..

Shibly
7 years ago

Schooling’s win not shocking at all….seeing his semifinal win it was evident that he was the clear favorite to win the gold….

Lauren Neidigh
Reply to  Shibly
7 years ago

Coming into the Games, many people had not picked Schooling to win. It may not be shocking to those of us who follow swimming constantly and watched the prelims and semis, but it was shocking for many people. And it was a great race!

Andrew Fu
7 years ago

I supported Joseph Schooling all the way. He is the Best of the Best. Imagine swimming against Michael Phelps, Chad Le Clos and Laszlo Cseh, they are all CHAMPIONS. Well done JOE. We are proud of You.

About Lauren Neidigh

Lauren Neidigh

Lauren Neidigh is a former NCAA swimmer at the University of Arizona (2013-2015) and the University of Florida (2011-2013). While her college swimming career left a bit to be desired, her Snapchat chin selfies and hot takes on Twitter do not disappoint. She's also a high school graduate of The …

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