Michael Phelps backs Joseph Schooling to rule in Tokyo 2020 Olympics

Swim legend says experienced Schooling can fend off rival Dressel and retain 100m fly title

Michael Phelps seated next to Joseph Schooling watching One Championship's Enter the Dragon at the Singapore Indoor Stadium yesterday.
Michael Phelps seated next to Joseph Schooling watching One Championship's Enter the Dragon at the Singapore Indoor Stadium yesterday. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR
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The greatest Olympian has thrown his weight behind Singapore's only Olympic champion Joseph Schooling in his quest to retain the 100m butterfly gold at next year's Tokyo Games.

Michael Phelps, who has 23 Olympic golds and 28 medals in all from four editions, told The Straits Times on the sidelines of a conference yesterday: "As long as Jo prepares himself as best as he can, he is going to be fine. He's talented enough, he's got enough speed, he's got a great kick, he's a great competitor."

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on May 18, 2019, with the headline Michael Phelps backs Joseph Schooling to rule in Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Subscribe