It was just another lazy afternoon at the school’s Ocean Parade home. Joseph had just finished another public engagement and went home for a rest.
He walked into his bedroom, appeared a few minutes later, holding the watch. “Happy Birthday Daddy,” the Olympic champion said, giving the gift to a surprised Colin as his mother, May, looked.
In the words of loss, Colin kissed his son and began to use the double timetable, which shows the time in Singapore and Texas, the base of Joseph.
The one-week choke promise in November, this moment is the best for me because it is a timely reminder to stay away from the interview and camera flash, which is a family of three simply living and making full use of what little time they have Have together.
It also shows the journey – from sending their only child to a foreign country, when he was only 14 years old, to overcome the obstacles they face – making them closer.
There is no doubt that Joseph’s competitive spirit led to his Olympic record. But it is clear why he often cited his parents as his greatest motivation to swim.
Colin’s birthday is in January, but the chances are that the father and son may not be satisfied. So Joseph had to seize the opportunity to send gifts. Because it’s always with the school, it’s a matter of time.
siangyee@sph.com.sg
This article was first published on Dec 31, 2016.
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