Singapore’s Olympic champion Joseph Schooling launches scholarship to support aquatic athletes

SINGAPORE – A decade after becoming Singapore’s first Olympic champion, former national swimmer Joseph Schooling wants to continue to inspire the next generation of aquatic athletes.

The 31-year-old launched the Joseph Schooling Award at an event held at the OCBC Aquatic Centre on Aug 12 to mark the 10th anniversary of his historic achievement.

To kick-start the programme, two swimmers will each receive a $10,000 scholarship over two years.

An initial $200,000 fund has been established, reflecting the 20 per cent contribution Schooling made to Singapore Aquatics (SAQ) from his $1 million payout under the Major Games Award Programme after winning the men’s 100m butterfly gold at the Rio 2016 Games. Throughout his career, he made millions in endorsements with the likes of DBS Bank, Hugo Boss, Toyota and Yakult.

Through continued fund raising, the programme aims to extend its reach and empower even more aquatic athletes to pursue their ambitions.

There were about 100 attendees at the event, including young swimmers from SAQ’s Emerging Talents Programme, executive committee members, sponsors and guests who were a part of Schooling’s journey to Olympic gold.

They watched a replay of his momentous race and video tributes featuring his former coaches Sergio Lopez and Eddie Reese. Schooling held back tears when an old clip of his late father Colin urging him to “stun the world” was played.

Other than the tender moment, he also had the crowd in stitches when he told personal stories, including one from when he was seven years old and picked swimming over golf and tennis because he was better in the pool and enjoyed competing.

Revealing how Colin would offer him $2 for winning gold and another $2 for breaking a record, he said: “It was good money to spend at the tuckshop before inflation. I was thinking, ‘I’m rich’.”

But even though he preferred sports to studies, he also played the part of “Uncle Jo”, and urged the youngsters to “be balanced” and not neglect schoolwork because there is more to life after one’s sporting career ends.

Thanking SAQ for supporting the initiative, Schooling said: “My journey began as a dream and became reality through countless untold stories and moments of joy and heartache, shared not only by me but also by those closest to me.

“My gold medal was possible because of the unwavering support from my mum and dad. Now, I want to do my part to recognise and reward those who share that same dream and dare to pursue it beyond imagination.

“I need to leave a legacy I can be proud of... I hope the Joseph Schooling Award will serve as a pillar of support for recipients and strengthen their belief in themselves.”

Schooling’s journey to the top was defined by resilience, purpose and bravery – traits that will form the selection criteria for recipients of the eponymous award.

Athletes may apply for the award via the SAQ website, with the nomination process starting from Sept 1.

The national aquatic body will then prepare an initial shortlist for applicants for interviews with the selection committee, comprising SAQ executive committee members, Schooling and former national swimmer and World Fencing League chief executive officer Teo Zhen Ren.

The first recipients will get their awards by the end of 2026. Coaches will submit a progress report after the first year to confirm if each recipient remains eligible for second-year funding.

The award seeks not only to recognise potential, but also to create meaningful connections and mentorship opportunities that support young athletes’ development.

SAQ president Kenneth Goh said: “What makes the Joseph Schooling Award distinctive is its combination of meaningful personal engagement and a two-year commitment to supporting athletes’ development.

“Shortlisted athletes will have the opportunity to meet and engage personally with Joseph, gaining insights from Singapore’s first Olympic gold medallist.

“For recipients, the award provides sustained support over two years as they strive for sporting and personal excellence. We hope this unique blend of personal interaction and continued support will help inspire the next generation of Singapore aquatic athletes.”