Joseph Schooling's story told in two new books - and a train

Swimmer will sign copies of the books at Nov 21 launch, to help ST pocket money fund

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Fans of Singapore's Olympic champion Joseph Schooling can, in slightly over a week, own books signed by the 21-year-old swimmer.

On Nov 21, he will sign two books about him to help raise funds for The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund (SPMF), which supports students from low-income families.

He will sign the books, published by The Straits Times Press, at Singapore Press Holdings' (SPH) News Centre in Toa Payoh North at the launch event from 1pm to 2pm.

Schooling said he really wanted to share his story through these two books, hoping it would inspire readers.

"More than anything, I want people to know that anyone can achieve great things as long as they set their minds on it and give it their absolute best.

"Because I'm just like everyone else - a Singaporean boy with a big dream," he said.

Above: The "Hello, My Name is Joseph Schooling" concept train will run on the Circle Line till Dec 8. It has images of the swimmer's journey and pledges encouraging people to chase their dreams. Right: Schooling Joseph is written for adult fans, whil
The "Hello, My Name is Joseph Schooling" concept train will run on the Circle Line till Dec 8. It has images of the swimmer's journey and pledges encouraging people to chase their dreams. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
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The first book, From Kid To King, is a 40-page book for children written by The Straits Times' news editor Marc Lim and illustrated by freelance artist Darel Seow.

From Kid To King uses colourful drawings to depict Schooling's love affair with water and his journey to victory at the Rio Olympics this year.

The second book, titled Schooling Joseph, is written for adult fans by veteran sports journalists Rohit Brijnath and Chan U-Gene.

The 148-page book draws from over a decade of SPH sports coverage of Schooling, chronicling his journey from water baby to competitive swimming at age five, and the intense training, discipline and family sacrifices that paved his road to Rio.

Schooling Joseph also features intimate family photos of the Olympic gold medallist as a toddler, and notes written by his mother, May, to motivate him.

Photos were curated by The Straits Times' photo editor Stephanie Yeow from SPH archives and the Schooling family's private photo album.

One-fifth of all book sale proceeds will be donated to SPMF.

Separately, Schooling is also signing 20 limited edition, hardcover copies of Schooling Joseph. The 20 books have been pre-sold, raising $26,000 for SPMF.

Above: The "Hello, My Name is Joseph Schooling" concept train will run on the Circle Line till Dec 8. It has images of the swimmer's journey and pledges encouraging people to chase their dreams. Right: Schooling Joseph is written for adult fans, whil Schooling Joseph is written for adult fans, while From Kid To King is a children's book. PHOTO: TIFFANY GOH FOR THE STRAITS TIMES

From Kid To King retails at $16, while Schooling Joseph costs $27.82. The books can be purchased at bookshops now.

Yesterday, a concept train on Schooling was launched by SMRT and The Schooling Effect, a movement that aims to inspire and provide opportunities for people to dream.

It features images of the swimmer's journey and pledges collected by The Schooling Effect encouraging members of the public to chase their dreams.

Mrs Schooling, who was at the train launch, said: "What we want is for Joseph to inspire kids and to give hope to Singaporeans as well."

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on November 12, 2016, with the headline Joseph Schooling's story told in two new books - and a train. Subscribe