The Schooling effect
While some people may obsess over Joseph Schooling's new tattoo or favourite fried carrot cake, this Olympic victory has had a far more profound effect for the swimming fraternity here.
Take 11-year-old Anlon Loh, who says Schooling has rekindled a dream.
Anlon, a competitive swimmer at Aquarian Aquatic Swim School, was with the crowd at Changi Airport on Monday to welcome the champion home.
His mother, Madam Lina Xiao, 41, says: "He got emotional and screamed when he saw Schooling. He later said that he was so happy, he couldn't control his feelings."
His attitude has also changed.
"I've never seen him this motivated, and he wants to train even harder. Kids his age tend to be lazy but meeting Schooling changed all that," she adds.
Former national swimming coach David Lim says it is important for local swimmers to see a Singaporean take the top step of the Olympic podium.
"To say that the swimmers are all very inspired now is an understatement," he tells TNPS. "Swimmers have all been told at least once in their lives that their dreams are too far-fetched and out of reach, but now Schooling's victory has opened doors for them."
The "Schooling effect" extends to swimming schools as well. Many say they have seen a sudden spike in interest.
MORE CALLS
Mr Lim reveals that calls to inquire about coaching services doubled over the weekend that Schooling clinched his gold medal, compared to previous weeks.
"Every weekend, we have been getting a certain number of calls, but last weekend, there was a big surge. It has never happened before," says the founder of Swimfast Aquatic Club and technical director of the Chinese Swimming Club.
On Thursday, The Straits Times reported that swimming schools here have received between 20 and 200 per cent more calls.
But while enrolment rates might increase because of Schooling's win, coaches believe that parents should also be inspired by how Schooling's parents, Colin and May, supported him over the years.
Mr Lim, who used to coach Schooling, says: "Parents here are afraid of losing out. When their children are caught out by examinations and grades, the first thing to go is sports.
"As a coach, I would really appreciate parents who do not worry about grades and allow their children to put their heart and soul into swimming."
Parents should look to Colin and May as good role models, adds Aquarian Aquatic's director Elsie Chiang.
Ms Chiang, also a former national team manager, says: "The best thing to come out of all this is parents now see that by being committed to their children's dreams, it is possible to fulfil those dreams."
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