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Encourage and support your children, and hug them a lot: Schooling's mum

SINGAPORE — As the spotlight fell on Joseph Schooling during his meet-and-greet session with the fans at Raffles City Shopping Centre on Thursday afternoon (Aug 18), his parents, May and Colin, stood in the background quietly and watched, their faces filled with pride. Beaming, the couple smiled and occasionally waved at the thousands of people who had turned up to catch a glimpse of the country’s newest icon.

Joseph Schooling and his mother May pose for a photo together in his apartment after an interview, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on June 21, 2016. Photo: Jason Quah

Joseph Schooling and his mother May pose for a photo together in his apartment after an interview, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on June 21, 2016. Photo: Jason Quah

SINGAPORE — As the spotlight fell on Joseph Schooling during his meet-and-greet session with the fans at Raffles City Shopping Centre on Thursday afternoon (Aug 18), his parents, May and Colin, stood in the background quietly and watched, their faces filled with pride. Beaming, the couple smiled and occasionally waved at the thousands of people who had turned up to catch a glimpse of the country’s newest icon.

But when it was time for May to take the stage and address the crowd, she too caught their attention with her account of the past week for the Schoolings, and her simple but powerful message for parents.

Describing how she felt at witnessing the kind of impact that her son’s Olympic achievement had on Singaporeans, May said: “I’m very proud of Joseph, my heart is bursting with pride. I’d like to thank everyone who’s come out to support him. Thank you so much.”

May, along with her husband Colin — a businessman — have been widely credited as the main driving forces behind Joseph’s success as a swimmer. The two have reportedly spent more than S$1 million on Joseph’s swimming career over the past seven years to send him to the Bolles School in Florida, United States to train and study, and now the University of Texas. And Joseph’s success today is clear validation that all their sacrifices throughout the years have paid off.

It comes as no surprise then that May’s top tip for parents is for them to provide unconditional support to their children during their pursuit of their goals and dreams, especially during the difficult times.

“If the going gets tough, it’s all the more important that the parents support their kid,” said May, a chartered accountant. “And believe you me, don’t tell your kids what to do. It doesn’t work. You have to let them find what they want to do.

“Of course you have to guide them not to do silly things. But if they’re going for something good, just encourage them and be there for them.

“If they’re down, support them ... give them a cuddle or a hug, it will help a lot. The kids will survive. If they know you’re behind them, they (become) very strong.

“As for kids, whatever you want to do, make sure it has to be something good for you, and then go for it!”

It was clear that her words resonated with many in the crowd. For as May finished her speech, the crowd broke into applause and cheered loudly for her.

Facebook users who watched May’s speech while it was screened live on TODAY’s Facebook page, agreed. As Sarah Loh commented: “Mama and Paps Schooling, please be counsellors to all aspiring athletes’ parent groups.”

Agnes Soon simply added on TODAY’s page: “Mama Schooling ROCKS!”

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