Joseph Schooling clinched Singapore’s first gold medal with a first-placed finish in the men’s 100 metre butterfly final. Schooling’s timing of 51.76 seconds is also a new Asian Games record. (Photo 1 courtesy of SNOC)
South Korea, Wednesday, September 24, 2014 — National swimmer Joseph Schooling clocked a timing of 51.76 seconds in the men’s 100 metre butterfly final to clinch Singapore’s first gold medal at the Incheon Asian Games.
Schooling’s timing of 51.76 seconds is also a new Asian Games record. The result is also Singapore’s first Asian Games gold in men’s swimming since Ang Peng Siong’s 100m freestyle gold at the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi.
The silver medal went to China’s Li Zhuhao, who finished with a timing of 51.91 seconds. Hirofumi Ikebata of Japan won the bronze medal in 52.08 seconds.
Schooling’s timing of 51.76 seconds bettered his timing in the heats, where he clocked 52.83 seconds to lead the field.
“I’m very happy with my performance. I’m so glad I could win Singapore’s first gold medal of the Games, and I hope there will be more to come. I felt good prior to the race and managed to swim according to the race plan that Sergio (Schooling’s coach) had planned. The support from the Singapore fans was fantastic as I could hear them cheering when I walked out from the call room and also not forgetting the overall team support that is always there for me,” said the 19-year-old.
Singapore Swimming Association (SSA) President Lee Kok Choy said, “We are delighted that Joseph has delivered our first gold medal at the Games. His fighting spirit to win against a very strong field does Singapore proud. He is a gem, a diamond, and the combination of his determination, family and national support only proves that the sky and beyond is our limit.”
SSA Secretary General Oon Jin Teik was all praises for Schooling. “Electrifying! And I am speechless! Joseph was hot, hot, hot! You should have seen his eyes before the race. There was no chance for his competitors!”
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