Today, Joseph Schooling, one of Singapore’s best swimmers, was crowned as Straits Times (ST) Athlete of the Year for 2014. The ceremony was held at a luncheon in the ballroom of Raffles Hotel.
ST readers pose with some of the award nominees at the ST Athlete of the Year luncheon.
His proud parents collected the award on his behalf
Schooling couldn’t make it to the ceremony in person, but his proud parents, May and Colin Schooling, were there to collect his award on his behalf. Both were grinning from ear to ear, as they walked onto the stage to pick up the prize.
Said Schooling on his victory, through Skype, “Thank you all for coming. I wish I were here in person to see it, but I am so glad my parents are in Singapore to receive this award on my behalf. Me winning this award means a lot. I will continue to work hard every day so that I can get even better. Thank you again for believing in me, and I hope that I can continue to do Singapore proud for the South East Asian Games.”
Schooling’s achievements over the past year, from regional champion to Asian champion and a potential world-beater, is indeed worthy of the award. He clinched the gold medal at the 100m butterfly event in the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon – becoming the first male swimmer to win gold at the competition since Ang Peng Siong in 1982.
Guests at the award ceremony luncheon.
In addition, Schooling also won Singapore’s first-ever Commonwealth Games medal in 2014, when he came second in the 100m butterfly.
Beat off competition from other talented athletes
To win the Straits Times Athlete of the Year award, Schooling beat off competition from sailors Bernie Chin and Samantha Yom, bowler Jazreel Tan and pool player Aloysius Yapp – who were all pretty awed by Schooling’s achievements too. Said Yom, “Joseph, I’m personally very inspired by what you have done and everything, so all the best to the future.”
Guest of honour
Mr Lawrence Wong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Communication and Information was the Guest of Honour at the event.
Guests were treated to a delicious three-course Western lunch
The three course meal at the lunch ceremony included the Pan Seared Seabass Fillet
At the luncheon, the guests were treated to a delicious three-course Western lunch with an “Asian twist.” The appetiser comprised of a yusheng prosperity salad, which I’m sure everyone had more fun tossing – rather than eating! The main course was a choice between pan-seared sea bass fillet and chicken breast, while the dessert was a scrumptious chocolate mousse topped with a banana-passionfruit foam.
Yes, it was definitely a day to remember for me.
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