Another major award for Schooling

SINGAPORE — Joseph Schooling has added another feather to his swimming cap, after the University of Texas sophomore was named the Men’s Swimmer of the Year at the 2015-16 Big 12 Swimming and Diving post-season awards on Tuesday.

Schooling stole the show at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) meet last month as he defended his titles in the 100- and 200-yard butterfly events, winning the two races in new NCAA, Big 12 and Texas record times.

He also won gold medals in the 400-yard medley relay, 200-yard and 800-yard freestyle relay, with his achievements helping Texas win its second consecutive NCAA title.

Following the NCAA meet, Schooling was named the 2016 College Swimming Coaches Association of America NCAA Division 1 Men’s Swimmer of the Year last month, alongside former Bolles School team-mates Ryan Murphy and Caeleb Dressel. This was followed by his Swimmer of the Year award from the Big 12 conference, which consists of 10 universities from Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and West Virginia. University of Texas coach Eddie Reese was named Swimming Coach of the Year.

However, Schooling — who was named the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year in his freshman year — is not about to let the accolades distract him from his big goal this year: Winning a first-ever gold medal for Singapore at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

“This award means a lot to me. I’m really thankful for the support from the rest of my team, coach Eddie Reese, family and friends,” said Schooling yesterday.

“We’re only a few months away from the Olympics and while it is a big confidence boost for me, I’m just going to keep up with my training plans and follow what Eddie has mapped out for me.” LOW LIN FHOONG