Journey

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Joseph Isaac Schooling was born on June 16, 1995, in Singapore. From an early age, his love for the water was clear. Encouraged by his parents, Colin and May Schooling, he began swimming competitively at the age of 6. Inspired by his grand-uncle Lloyd Valberg—Singapore's first Olympian—Joseph dreamed of representing his country on the world stage.

At just 13, Joseph made the bold decision to train in the United States to pursue his Olympic dream. He attended the Bolles School in Florida, a renowned institution for nurturing world-class swimmers. This move marked the start of his international training journey, balancing schoolwork with intense swim practices.

Joseph's dedication paid off early. He began smashing national records and making waves in the international scene. In 2011, he made his SEA Games debut, winning medals and gaining recognition as one of Singapore’s most promising athletes.

The pinnacle of Joseph's career came in 2016 at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, where he shocked the world by winning Singapore’s first-ever Olympic gold medal. He clinched gold in the 100m butterfly, defeating his childhood idol Michael Phelps and setting an Olympic record time of 50.39 seconds. It was a defining moment—not just for Joseph, but for the entire nation.

After Rio, Joseph continued to compete internationally, winning medals in Asian Games, SEA Games, and FINA competitions. Though he faced challenges—including injuries, military service, and changes in performance—his legacy as a trailblazer in Singaporean sports remains firmly intact.

 Joseph Schooling’s swimming career concluded on April 2, 2024, marking a powerful transition from elite athlete to entrepreneur and investor—actively influencing youth, sports, and business sectors in Singapore and beyond. In a historic first, the International Swimming Hall of Fame, inducted Joseph Schooling into the prestigious Hall of Fame on 28 July 2025.