Tokyo, Japan, July 31, 2021: Singapore’s first Olympic champion Joseph Schooling will always be a hero in the eyes of IOC Vice President Ng Ser Miang.
The Singaporean sports official sent a message of encouragement and thanks to Schooling after the Rio 2016 Olympic swimming champion finished a disappointing eighth in his heat of the men’s 100m butterfly at Tokyo, bringing his reign to an end.
“Joseph, you will always be an inspiration to all aspiring athletes,” wrote Ng.
“Colin and May will always be the role model how parents support their kids to achieve the impossible.
“When I present the 100m men butterfly medals tomorrow (Saturday) in Tokyo, I will remember the gold medal I hung around your neck in Rio and your achievement.”
Five years ago in Rio, Schooling won 100m butterfly gold in an Olympic record time of 50.39 seconds to become Singapore’s first Olympic champion.
This time, the 26-year-old three-time Olympian clocked 53.12 seconds in his heat of the men’s 100m butterfly and failed to advance.
Schooling himself looked on the bright side. “Hey guys!” he posted.
“Thanks for all the wishes and support - it means the world to me. I’ll take some time to process everything and get back to you as soon as I can. Much love from Tokyo. Majulah Singapura.”
The fact that Schooling’s post attracted 15,000 Likes, 1,700 Comments and 375 Shares shows Ng Ser Miang was not alone in his praise and respect for Singapore’s first Olympic champion.