Lessons from the Olympic Champion

Lessons from the Champions – Joseph Schooling


Olympic swimming champion Joseph Schooling visited Singapore Sports School for the first time since his historic victory at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, where he won Singapore’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in the 100m butterfly. He was invited to share his inspiring story and advice to aspiring athletes and aspiring Olympians as part of the school’s Lessons from the Champions series.

His landmark win not only placed him on the world stage as an Olympic champion but also marked a defining moment in Singapore’s sporting history, igniting belief and inspiring a new generation of athletes that Olympic success was possible for the nation.

Speaking to student-athletes, Schooling reflected on the journey behind that iconic moment, reminding them that what the world saw as a breakthrough performance was the result of nearly 20 years of relentless hard work, discipline, and determination. His journey began at the age of six, inspired by watching the Olympics and imagining what it would feel like to compete on that stage. What followed was years of sacrifice, discipline, setbacks, and unwavering effort behind the scenes to achieve his sporting dream.

Schooling, who was based in the United States to pursue swimming at the highest level, shared his journey with years of separation, setbacks, and constant adjustment, which shaped his resilience and determination to become an Olympic champion. One of his most unforgettable memories remains hearing 15,000 people stand for the Singapore national anthem at the Olympic Games - an emotional moment he described as life-changing.

Schooling also reflected on competing against the world’s best, describing them as fierce competitors who “hate to lose more than they like to win”. He also emphasised the importance of respect and sportsmanship in sports.

Central to his sharing was the importance of goal setting. He encouraged student-athletes to clearly define their goals, understand their purpose, and map out the steps needed to achieve them. He stressed the importance of keeping goals visible — on phones, walls, or notebooks — as daily reminders of commitment. While plans may evolve, he highlighted the need for flexibility, persistence, and continuous self-adjustment.

Through his honest reflections, Schooling left student-athletes with a powerful message that success is never accidental — it is built on dreams, discipline, resilience, and the courage to keep going.