Singapore’s first-ever Olympic gold medalist, swimmer Joseph Schooling, was one of three athletes inducted into the nation’s Sports Hall of Fame today, August 8th. Honored at the Singapore Sports Museum by the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, Grace Fu, Schooling joined Para swimmer Theresa Goh and Para equestrian athlete Laurentia Tan as the inductees.
Said Fu of the athletes as they were recognized, “I would like to congratulate Joseph, Laurentia and Theresa for their outstanding sporting achievements. Through years of hard work, perseverance and commitment to excellence, their efforts have placed Singapore on the global sporting map. I am sure they will continue to make Singapore proud and inspire the next generation of athletes to strive for even greater heights.” (The Strait Times)
Schooling won the 100m butterfly gold medal last year in Rio, earning an Olympic Record and beating out American legend Michael Phelps in the process. For her part, Goh is a 4-time Olympian and most recently won bronze in the SB4 100 breaststroke.
You can hear Schooling’s acceptance speech in the video above, where the 22-year-old says,”This is not a recognition for my personal achievements but also for the unwavering support from my family, friends and coaches who have contributed to my sporting journey…
“I hope to be able to continue breaking new ground to keep the inspiration alive, to encourage the next generation to believe in dreaming big and making them a reality.”
Well done Schooling!
“I hope to continue breaking new ground”. Too bad Caeleb decided to give the 100 fly a shot this summer….