Give Olympians more opportunities to interact with youth

As we continue to celebrate Joseph Schooling’s Olympic gold medal, we need to consider how this success will motivate Singapore’s next generation of athletes.

Our current and past Olympians should be provided with opportunities and support to be role models for youth athletes. The Education Ministry, Sport Singapore and the national sports associations should work together for our current Olympians to interact with students and athletes during school assemblies and, if possible, during training sessions.

We are participating in several sports in the Rio Games, so it would be an opportunity to present our athletes and promote their respective sports.

Our athletes could share insights into the balance between talent and hard work, studies/work and training, success and failure, as well as goal-setting strategies and how to garner support.

While we look forward to the continued success of Schooling and the other athletes, we must increase the desire to succeed in sport among our young today so we can continue to celebrate at future Olympic Games.