by Kiwiana Ngabung – EMTV Online, Port Moresby
It was an enormously grand moment for Singaporean swimmer, winning gold at the 100m butterfly event at the Rio Olympics.
Not only did 21-year-old Joseph Schooling win gold, but he beat his childhood hero and America’s great swimmer, Michael Phelps to it.
Schooling finished in a record time of 50.39 seconds, before Michael Phelps (USA), Chad Le Clos (South Africa) and Laszlo Cseh (Hungary), who all tied in second place.
Schooling’s timing overshadowed the Olympic Games record of 50.58 seconds, set by Phelps in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
He was filled with so much emotion, after his massive win.
“I really can’t describe how this moment feels. All the adrenaline is running through my veins right now. It’s a dream come true,” he told reporters after his swim.
“I’m just ecstatic. I need it to sink in.”
This victory will go down in history for the Asian country, as this is their first-ever Olympic gold medal.
Another proud Singapore citizen is Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong. He congratulated Joseph Schooling and expressed much gratitude to Team Singapore, on his Facebook page.
“This is Singapore’s first Olympic gold medal ever, and also our first medal for #Rio2016.
It is an incredible feat to compete among the world’s best, stay focussed, and emerge victorious. Congrats once again to Joseph, you made us very proud today,” the Prime Minister wrote.
Meanwhile, Michael Phelps has announced that he will be retiring after the Rio Olympics and the race with Joseph Schooling is his last individual race.
“It’s kind of special, and a decent way to finish my last individual race. Can’t complain too much,” Phelps said.
