Hero’s homecoming for Singapore’s Schooling after Olympic win

SINGAPORE’s Joseph Schooling received star treatment at Changi International Airport this morning upon his return from Rio 2016 where he clinched the island-nation’s first Olympic gold.

Hundreds of excited fans – many dressed in Singapore’s national colour red – cheered and waved banners in the air when they spotted the 21-year-old swimmer at Terminal 3 where he was greeted by Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, Sport Singapore chief executive officer Lim Teck Yin, and Singapore National Olympic council vice-president Tan Eng Liang.

Addressing the crowd of supporters, Schooling said: “Thank you, Singapore. This one is for all of you. I love you all, I really do.”

Schooling’s 68-year-old father, Colin Schooling, was also present to welcome his son home, as he had been unable to travel to Rio de Janeiro for the games due to health concerns.

Father and son shared a heartwarming hug, with the crowd chanting his name.

Dream big.

2008: Singapore's Joseph Schooling met idol Michael Phelps
Last night: He beat Phelps in the 100m fly pic.twitter.com/ROswPU2E9E

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 13, 2016

“Joseph’s motto is ‘dare to dream’ and I think he’s done a good job … Now we have to aim for the world record,” Colin said, as quoted by the Straits Times.

Schooling, 21, made history Saturday when he beat 23-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps to win the men’s men’s 100-meter butterfly event and set a new record of 50.39 seconds.

Phelps, who is Schooling’s childhood idol, finished joint-second with South Africa’s Chad le Clos and Hungary’s Laszlo Cseh.

Schooling’s victory marked Phelps’ first defeat in the 2016 Olympic games.

SEE ALSO: Singaporean swimmer Joseph Schooling beats Michael Phelps, clinches first Olympic gold

Several events have been planned in honor of Schooling’s triumphant return, including a visit to Parliament, where he will meet Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong who will call a motion to officially recognise his achievement.

Businesses are also joining in on the celebratory mood, offering discounts and freebies to customers in conjunction with Schooling’s victory.

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CONGRATULATIONS Singapore! Celebrate and retweet to win some golden PERi-PERi chips with a Chicken Butterfly! pic.twitter.com/bqGKYd0BaO

— Nando's Singapore (@NandosSG) August 13, 2016

Because we are so so proud of #josephschooling, here's 25% off your 1st box — https://t.co/2UYeksd4pM pic.twitter.com/muevE3kYlj

— BoxGreen (@BoxGreenCo) August 15, 2016

For young Schooling, his stunning performance at Rio 2016 only marks the beginning of his journey to greater stardom.

He already has his eyes set on the next Olympics, which is set to be held in Tokyo in 2020.

Buoyed by his win, Singapore officials have agreed to defer his national service stint, which is compulsory for all Singaporean males.

Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen made the announcement on Monday that Schooling’s request for deferment has been granted in order to allow him to train and compete in the games.

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