Welcome home, Joseph Schooling. The Olympic gold medallist touched down at Changi Airport early this morning, after his SQ67 flight arrived around 5.30am. Much fanfare awaited the 21-year-old.
First, Changi Airport ushered in his plane with a water gun salute on the tarmac.
Then an excited group of well-wishers from the airport welcomed Schooling with eager smiles, a bouquet of flowers and banners — after which he stepped through the arrival doors, where he was greeted by Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean and his family. Wearing his hard-earned gold medal and grinning from ear to ear (even though he must’ve been tired after all that travelling), Schooling expressed his gratitude for the 400-strong crowd who turned up to welcome him home.
“Thank you, Singapore. This one is for all of you. I love you all, I really do,” he said.
The crowd was ecstatic as he stayed on to take selfies with fans and sign autographs.
After mingling with the fans, Schooling headed home to finally take a breather and catch up with his family and friends.
Later today, Schooling and his parents, Colin and May, will be present at Parliament, where Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will move a motion to congratulate him on his Olympic gold for the 100m butterfly event and formally recognise his achievement.
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