While you were sleeping, Singapore's Golden Boy arrived home to a crazy crowd of fans and supporters who cheered and screamed when he walked through the arrival gates. We went down to bring you the faces of the People of Joseph Schooling. You're welcome.
Judy and Joanne, both in their 40s, were camping at the airport since 4.30am. Both ladies want to congratulate Schooling on his win, and thank him for being an inspiration to all Singaporeans.
United by a common cause, this group of dedicated fans met at the airport only hours ago and became fast friends. They are Richard (70), Siew Png (17), Li Yong Wong (16), and Tow Ying Si (18). They would like to tell Schooling that he is a legend to them, and his gold medal win at Rio is forever unforgettable.
Armed with this makeshift flag, fans Xiu Hui (18), Xin Yi (17), Faiz (32), and Ching Teng (16) were camping at the airport early to catch a glimpse of Schooling. Faiz, in particular, wants to "eat chai tau kway" with her hero.
Sylvia and friends were at the airport waiting with props, flags, and flowers, ready to cheer and shout their loudest. According to Sylvia, the gold medal prop took about 3 hours to complete. Given the chance, she would like to thank Schooling for his humility, and for being the Singapore Boy.
For Dania and Aldrin, Schooling is an inspiration to all Singaporeans, having achieved something that we never thought we could. One word - Awesome!
Shoutout to Schooling from the Tan family! Mrs Tan and her adorable kids want to thank Singapore's Golden Boy for his exceptional hard work and talents in bringing home Singapore' first gold medal!
Is Hannah Alkaff, 18, Schooling's biggest fan? We managed to catch her for a follow up since our last interview with her at a Schooling meet. Hannah has been following every one of Schooling's swims - heats, semifinals, and finals - and even cried and shook when he touched the wall first at his 100m Butterfly at Rio. Not content to root for him on her own, Hannah also got her friends and family to tune in to his races. That's dedication.
On the day of the 100m butterfly finals, 11-year-old Mirza (far right) and Mateen (fourth from left) from Anglo-Chinese School Junior Swim Team skipped training, opting to stay home to watch Schooling. They're looking forward to seeing Schooling win more gold medals at Tokyo 2020.
Last but not least, we have a Schooling – Joseph’s paternal uncle. Phillip Schooling, 59, says watching his nephew race made adrenaline rush through his body. He’s just excited to see his nephew, and wants everyone to know that this is Joe’s moment to share with the nation – and that his nephew is proof that nothing is impossible, if you dedicate your mind, body and soul.
Can't get enough of Schooling? Check these out:
Humans of New York? We bring you the People of Joseph Schooling
17 stuff Joseph Schooling did at Changi Airport when he returned from Rio Olympics
10 photos of Jo Schooling in pure joy after winning the Olympic Gold for Singapore
Totally unrelated posts that you might want to checkout after reading this post:
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Top photo by Joshua Lee
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