Schooling’s all pumped up for a frenzied four days in Singapore

SINGAPORE — Newly-minted Olympic champion Joseph Schooling will be thrust into a whirlwind of activity the moment he returns home to Singapore on Monday morning (Aug 15) for his four-day stay.

The 21-year-old, who will be arriving at Belt 42, Terminal 3 of Changi Airport at 5.30am on Singapore Airlines flight SQ67, can expect a large crowd of supporters, well-wishes and government ministers to turn up at the airport to welcome him home.

Before he left Rio for Singapore on Saturday morning (Saturday night, Singapore time), Schooling told TODAY that he is anticipating a noisy reception when he steps out of the arrival hall, even though he cannot imagine what it would be like.

“Yeah, I’m super excited. I think a lot of people know when my flight is coming in, but it will be pretty cool to see the support, and everyone there,” he said.

“I have no idea. I can’t fathom it. It’s kind of crazy. I am going to take everything as it is when I reach there and assess the situation.”

But he is planning to participate fully in it because he is aware of the importance of his Olympic triumph to Singapore.

“I’m going back so that I can celebrate this moment with everyone in Singapore. Not just my mum and my dad and friends, but everyone who has supported me through the years and watched me grow up.

“I think this moment is really important not just for me but also for everyone in Singapore, and I’m looking forward to it.”

According to the organisers, Schooling will make a short speech after mingling with his fans at the airport. Then it is off to his home in Marine Parade for a meal with his family and friends.

Following that, Schooling and his parents, Colin and May, have to make a trip down to Parliament to be present when Parliament, which sits on Monday, moves a motion to congratulate him and formally recognise his achievement.

The Schoolings are planning for a quiet family dinner after that.

But the next few days are expected to be jam-paced with activities.

As Colin told TODAY: “I have been charging my phone more than three times in a day. It has been buzzing non-stop with requests and congratulations. It has been pretty crazy. Joseph’s schedule is going to be very hectic over the next few days, from the moment he arrives at the Changi Airport.

“I am happy how the whole nation is celebrating - that is something I am very delighted with. We want to plan his activities over the next few days properly.

“There is nothing much to help him with in terms of managing (this surge in popularity). Fame comes with success and that is expected. He has to learn to deal with it himself. He is very mature, so I’m sure he’ll know how to.”

While Schooling’s itinerary has not been firmed up, it will include an open top bus victory parade planned for him by local sports governing body Sport Singapore (SportSG).

He is also likely to make a few school visits. It is not known whether his old school, Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) will be one of them.

Schooling is hoping to squeeze in a dental appointment too before he flies off to the United States to resume his studies at the University of Texas.