Joseph Schooling triumphantly surmounting peaks and linked to his childhood idol (Chronicles of Athletes)

Joseph Schooling: Singapore's Olympic Champion and Road Safety Advocate

Joseph Isaac Schooling, a 21-year-old swimmer from Singapore, made history in the Olympic Games Rio 2016 when he brought home the first gold medal ever in Swimming for his country. Schooling's victory was not just a personal triumph, but a national celebration.

Born and raised in Singapore, Schooling started swimming at the tender age of 4. His talent and dedication led him to move to Florida at the age of 13 to train under world-class coaches. This decision marked the beginning of a grueling journey that required him to balance his academic pursuits with his passion for swimming. Schooling graduated successfully from the University of Texas with a degree in Economics in December 2018, after studying there from 2014.

Winning the Olympic gold medal brought Schooling other national honors, such as the honorary Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Meritorious Service Medal). However, Schooling's success did not go to his head. He praised his parents for their support, stating they gave him space to make his own decisions.

Since 2018, Schooling has been working with Toyota to promote road safety. He believes that Toyota shares his values and understands the needs of an athlete. Schooling drives a Toyota RAV4 and is committed to increasing road safety awareness. He stated that being safe on the road is the most important thing for him, as accidents can change one's life in a split second.

Schooling set a new Olympic Games record for the 100-meter butterfly at 50.39 seconds. His victory in Rio was a significant moment, not just for him, but for road safety awareness in Singapore. Schooling had to make huge decisions about his life and future due to training far from home and family. Despite the challenges, he remains focused on his next goal: to break the world record and get the best time in his career.

Schooling's achievements extend beyond the swimming pool. He has won medals from the World Swimming Championships, Asian Games, and the South East Asian Games. In recognition of his contributions to Singapore, an orchid was named in his honor - "the Dendrobium Joseph Schooling".

Schooling's commitment to road safety is evident in his support for Toyota's mantra of Mobility for All, emphasizing the importance of freedom of movement and safety. He is an inspiration to many, not just as a successful athlete, but as a responsible and caring individual who sets an example for others.

Joseph Schooling triumphantly surmounting peaks and linked to his childhood idol (Chronicles of Athletes)