It Was A Big Sacrifice For Us, And It Was Tough
The Singapore Women's Weekly|May 2017

We all watched the race in which Joseph Schooling took home Singapore’s first Olympic gold. In an exclusive interview, his mother May reveals the family heartbreak and joy behind his medal

Natalya Molok
It Was A Big Sacrifice For Us, And It Was Tough

I can’t swim,” may Schooling confesses with a chuckle. We’ve been sitting in the Schoolings’ marine Parade office for half an hour, chatting about parenthood, when this revelation comes to light.

I look at her in disbelief, refusing to accept may doesn’t know her backstroke from her butterfly. “Joseph was a water baby from the get-go. He would jump into the sea, pools and river; you couldn’t stop him,” she remembers. “So for me, it was like ‘I can’t swim, who’s going to save him? I have to make sure he’s water safe’, and that’s how I made sure he learnt how to swim.”

It’s curious to hear the woman behind Singapore’s swimming champ can barely tread water. “Well, I won’t drown but the most I can do is a doggy paddle,” she laughs. “Joseph’s father, Colin, is the swimmer in this family.”

May is refreshingly open and cheerful about so many aspects of her family. She reveals that she grew up poor, and even after she married Colin in 1983, she feared she would never become a mother. Joseph is her miracle baby, in a way.

A Tiger Mum?

Their son came late into may and Colin Schooling’s lives. attempts at conceiving naturally were difficult and the couple suffered several miscarriages along the way. When Joseph finally came into being 12 years after they first tied the knot, may was already 40, but she was thrilled. “He was a miracle – and an amazingly easy baby!”

Esta historia es de la edición May 2017 de The Singapore Women's Weekly.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición May 2017 de The Singapore Women's Weekly.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE THE SINGAPORE WOMEN'S WEEKLYVer todo
The Singapore Women's Weekly

Ready To Zoom

Glow up and put your best face forward on video calls

time-read
1 min  |
August/September 2020
Caramel Eclairs
The Singapore Women's Weekly

Caramel Eclairs

Choux pastry is a French classic that transforms in the oven into airy puffs with a crisp exterior, ready to be filled and iced. It may seem a little daunting to make, but it’s easy with our step-by-step guide

time-read
2 minutos  |
August/September 2020
The Singapore Women's Weekly

Clear The Air

The quality of the air you breathe inside your home has a significant impact on your health. Here’s a look at managing indoor pollution

time-read
3 minutos  |
August/September 2020
How To Show More Compassion
The Singapore Women's Weekly

How To Show More Compassion

It’s an unhealthy habit that we often don’t realise we are doing. Ahead, some tips on how to show more compassion

time-read
1 min  |
August/September 2020
Resolving Conflicts
The Singapore Women's Weekly

Resolving Conflicts

Living in a digital age means that many of our social interactions are done online. However, reaching out and connecting with those around us is paramount, and even more so, with tough conversations. Ahead, experts share insights to help us navigate

time-read
7 minutos  |
August/September 2020
Mood For Mango
The Singapore Women's Weekly

Mood For Mango

Mango makes refreshing and satisfying sweet treats – perfect for relaxed entertaining

time-read
2 minutos  |
August/September 2020
The Singapore Women's Weekly

Dealing With The Unknown

If you’ve endured a few bumps and detours in the game of life, don’t be disheartened – these events might just make all the difference

time-read
7 minutos  |
August/September 2020
Our Different Butterflies
The Singapore Women's Weekly

Our Different Butterflies

Artist and art educator Saharra discusses the importance of art education as coping strategies for our young ones during these unprecedented times

time-read
3 minutos  |
August/September 2020
And Breathe
The Singapore Women's Weekly

And Breathe

The simple processes of inhaling and exhaling can aid sleep, beat cravings and reduce stress. A breathing expert explains how

time-read
5 minutos  |
August/September 2020
Great Women Of Our Time
The Singapore Women's Weekly

Great Women Of Our Time

Every year, we shine a light on 18 distinguished and powerful women in the Great Women Of Our Time Awards. They are women who are changing their field of work, and doing their best to improve life in Singapore – and the world.

time-read
10+ minutos  |
August/September 2020