I firmly go on record to say that I stand by the Schooling family. Absolutely and unconditionally.
They’re a remarkable Singapore family who’ve put us on the global map to show that with fearless hearts of lions and determined never-say-die souls, everyone can cope with the best in the world.
Through selfless acts, the late Colin, wife May and Joseph have held the Singapore flag flying high to make it at the highest sporting stage. And deservedly even recognised by the government with an unprecedented Parliamentary salute.
Now Joseph, through one reckless mistake, for which he publicly admitted and apologised, cannot be simply brushed aside. And in times like this, Singapore must stand tall and offer their overwhelming support.
I know he will come over this setback and be wiser and at 27, he will learn that life is never a bed of roses and coping with the ultra-fascinating sporting stardom phase, without dad in tow, can be a very, very harrowing experience.
Since he was around six or seven years old, his parents had staunchly backed their only child’s dream of becoming an Olympic champion, shouldering burdens, both mental and financial to support him.
Hats off to making the difficult decision of sending him to US college preparatory institution Bolles School to train when he was just 14, and spending more than $1 million to pay for his education and training, with the sum partially funded through loans.
May, in particular, even lobbied for three years to get their only son a deferment from national service in 2013 to prepare for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics. And praise the Lord, Joseph returned home a rousing Singaporean hero.
So let’s rally around Joseph now and let the Schooling family know that he’s forgiven and to positively restart his life…and to continue to be a role-model to the younger generation.
Please show your Singaporean thumbs and solidly support the Schooling family because they want to know that much as they may be admonished, that they can count on genuine support.
This is the time to stand up for Singapore and Joseph definitely merits true support. Majullah!