With NS deferment settled, Schooling eyes more Olympic medals

SINGAPORE — Buoyed by the extension of his National Service (NS) deferment, swim sensation Joseph Schooling, who won the 100m butterfly gold in a new Olympic record time in Rio, said on Tuesday he plans to break the world mark in the event as well as win more medals at the next Olympics.

The 21-year-old, who will now serve his National Service only after the 2020 Tokyo Games, outlined his ambitions for the next four years at a press conference at the Black Box at Singapore Sports Hub. “I’m very honoured and privileged to be granted deferment from NS and I’m glad the government recognises the effort I put in,” the University of Texas undergraduate said.

“This will be a boost to my Tokyo 2020 campaign and is a weight off my shoulders.

“I didn’t have a backup plan if I hadn’t got it (deferment). But I hope this will pave the way for budding athletes, and give them the leeway to train and honour and glory to the country.”

Mr Schooling, who returned from Rio to much fanfare at Changi Airport on Monday morning, said he plans to compete in three more events at the Tokyo Games - the 100m freestyle, the 200m fly and the 200m individual medley.

At the Rio Games, Mr Schooling skipped the 200m fly despite having qualified for it, and reached the semi-finals of the 100m freestyle.

“I think I can medal for the 200m fly; I’ve been training in the (event) and that’s why I could finish the 100m fly well,” he said.

“So, besides breaking the world record for 100m butterfly, I want to get back on that 200m fly.

“I also did the 100m freestyle at the Olympics for the first time and finished in the top-16, which wasn’t too bad, so I think I have a good future in that.

“I also want to become an all-rounded swimmer and do the 200m individual medley. So maybe I’ll focus on these three to four events (for Tokyo 2020).”

In the meantime, there is the small matter of a hectic schedule for his remaining three days in Singapore to clear before he flies back to the US on Friday morning.

Since his return, Mr Schooling has been honoured in Parliament, paid a visit to his former primary school Anglo-Chinese School (Junior), and met athletes from the Singapore aquatic fraternity.

He will also take part in an open top bus victory parade on Thursday, organised by Sport Singapore. He will not be able to attend this Sunday’s National Day Rally though because he needs to go back to school. 

He had been invited by Prime Minister to attend the event but was not able to get permission from his university to return to school later.

Despite his jam-packed itinerary, Mr Schooling still managed to find time to ink a new tattoo on Tuesday, and it was a special one at that.

Brandishing the Olympic rings on his right bicep on Tuesday, he said he is relishing the challenge of defending his 100m fly title at the Tokyo Games. “If I had to pick, I’d rather be on top and hold the fort down,” said Mr Schooling.

“It’s a good spot to be but it can get really tricky. I think it’s easier to catch someone above you.

“But personally, I like to be on top. I like having people chase me. That’s why I like to be the fastest qualifier in the heats, in the semis, and hopefully in the finals.

“That’s why I try to send a statement…to all those guys that ‘look - you’re going have to come and catch me’.

“I’d rather set the tone and everyone has to follow suit than the other way around.”

THE VICTORY PARADE

According to organisers, this is the proposed route, which is subject to clearance from the police:

• 50A Marine Terrace Market at 10am.
• Singtel Comcentre Plaza
• Orchard Road to Bras Basah Road before ending at
• Raffles City Shopping Centre.