Joesph Schooling

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Joseph Schooling is facing life after gold with his characteristic grit and determination. Stepping away from competitive swimming, he announced his retirement last year at the age of 28. “To say this is a bittersweet moment doesn’t really do this moment justice,” he said at an emotional press conference. “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.”

Joseph made history at age 21 at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, besting American swimming legend Michael Phelps at the 100-metre butterfly. While Joseph’s retirement at age 28 is earlier than some other elite swimmers who have continued into their 30s, he’s far from the only young professional athlete to make the decision to cut short their career.

Joseph is now turning his attention to working in a venture capital company, having studied Economics at the University of Texas from 2014 to 2018.

“I am filled with gratitude for every experience that swimming has brought into my life.”

In February, it was announced that Joseph is set to become the first Singaporean to be inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame, joining an illustrious list of athletes that includes swimming legend Mark Spitz and Chinese diver Fu Mingxia.

Overall, Joseph Schooling’s impact on Singaporeans of all ages goes beyond just winning medals – he instills a sense of belief and motivation in individuals to have a dream and strive for greatness in whatever field they choose to pursue.

Congratulations to Joseph for being voted the Most Trusted Sportsperson for 2025.