Olympic gold medallist excited about the next chapter in his life

He says he does not enjoy the swim grind anymore and wants to be a normal guy’

- David Lee

After over two decades of grit and grind, Singapore's first and only Olympic champion Joseph Schooling is ready to embark on the next chapter of his life, saying that "it's my turn to be a normal guy".

The 28-year-old swimmer announced his retirement on social media on April 2 before hosting a media session at the Chinese Swimming Club later in the morning In a cosy setting at the club's grand ballroom, he came ready to talk about his decision and future, saying: "No question is off limits, let's have fun." Looking fit in a black polo shirt and cream-coloured pants, he admitted that "emotions were running high" as he addressed questions about his career, national service (NS) and cannabis use.

Among the audience of about 50 people were his mother May and girlfriend a Singaporean Eurasian in her 20s who declined to be named.

Revealing how he knew he was ready for retirement, Schooling said: "I still remember when I was four years old, I used to be so excited, hopping into an unreasonably freezing pool. Fast forward to where we are today. I woke up not feeling the same excitement to go to practice, I did not enjoy the grind anymore." Instead, going into the office with his mother was where he "started feeling that same sense of excitement again".

He will be busy with his venture capital project with two partners, his swim school Sports Schooling, charity work and assisting May at her trading company.