SINGAPORE — Tributes from Singaporeans of all walks of life have poured in after the nation’s sole Olympic gold medallist Joseph Schooling announced on Tuesday (April 2) that he has retired from competitive swimming.

The 28-year-old publicly announced his decision with a message posted on his various social media accounts. 

His retirement comes eight years after winning gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics. 

“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter — I will be retiring from competitive swimming,” Schooling wrote.

“I am filled with gratitude for every experience that swimming has brought into my life. The victories were exhilarating, the defeats humbling, and together, they have forged a resilience in me that I will carry forward into my next chapter.”

Following the statement, many Singaporeans — from fellow athletes to politicians — took to social media to express their well wishes for the decorated sportsman.

MADE US PROUD TO BE SINGAPOREAN

One of those was Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong who wished Schooling a happy retirement on social media.

Mr Wong wrote: “Joseph has shown us that it is possible to pursue a different pathway, one based on our own purpose and interests, take pride in it, and excel at the highest levels.”

He added that Schooling “made the impossible possible” by being the country's first Olympic champion and inspired the entire nation.

Schooling made history for Singapore at the 2016 Rio Olympics by clinching gold in the 100m butterfly, triumphing over his idol Michael Phelps.

Non-constituency Member of Parliament from the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) Leong Mun Wai said that Schooling “made us proud to be Singaporean”.

“While I’m sad to see him retire from competitive swimming, I’m happy that he has the courage to start a new chapter for himself,” Mr Leong wrote in a Facebook post.

“We wish him all the very best in this new stage of his life, and his 2016 Olympic Gold medal win will never cease to be a source of inspiration and pride for Singaporeans.”

Also writing on Facebook, jazz pianist and singer Jeremy Monteiro said: “(Schooling) has already done so much and he needs to follow his heart and do what he wants to do with his life.

“He has flown the Singapore flag so high and for now, it’s the highest it has flown in Singapore swimming. I wish him well and hope that he will have a happy and satisfying life.”

Sharing a photo taken together with Schooling, long-distance runner Soh Rui Yong said that he felt “blessed” to have been a Team Singapore athlete at the same time as the swimmer.

“Our one and only Olympic champion who succeeded despite all the challenges faced being an athlete in Singapore’s system. His story will inspire not just swimmers but athletes from all sports to dream big and train hard for years to come,” he wrote.

Singapore’s statutory board for sports Sport Singapore expressed gratitude to Schooling for being a highlight in Singapore’s sporting history and fostering national unity. 

“You have flown (the) Singapore flag high on the world’s stage. Your achievements brought remarkable celebrations as the nation united together as one cheering you on. We are excited for your next chapter, exciting times ahead!”

Ryan Murphy, a United States Olympian who attended a private institution, The Bolles School, in Florida with Schooling, left a comment on the former athlete’s Instagram post, writing: “Legend! You’re one of the best teammates I’ve ever had. Thanks for your friendship and pushing me to be great. Can’t wait to watch you crush your next career.”

Perhaps Mediacorp personality and 987FM DJ Joakim Gomez summarised it best for Singaporeans.

“Made all of us dream. Made all of us believe. Made more parents sign their kids up for swimming lessons as well,” he wrote alongside a selfie with the man of the hour.

“Thank you, Joseph Schooling. Nothing but love for you, brother!”