Joseph Schooling victory parade in SingaporeJoseph Schooling victory parade in Singapore. Read the blog here.

Rio 2016 Olympics 100m butterfly swimming gold medalist Joseph Schooling returned home to a jubilant Singapore two days after his historic swim this mid August. He also broke the Olympics record at that event with a time of 50.39s, ahead of an unprecedented three joint silver medalists (Michael Phelps, Chad le Clos and Laszlo Cseh). To celebrate Singapore's first Olympic gold medal, Schooling was brought on a victory parade today (18 Aug 2016) around Singapore on a bus.

Normally, I'm not particularly keen on crowded events unless I'm on a special assignment. Something compelled me to photograph Joseph Schooling today on my own.

Schooling spent much of his youth studying and training in the US, all provided for by his parents. In the numerous media interviews, we get to know the life journey of the Schooling family, which has bore fruit for them and the nation in international sporting success. Values like faith, determination, discipline, trust and self-giving are brought to the fore.

We have much to learn from the example of Joseph's family, such as his parents' loving and dedicated support in a less conventional life path, and Joseph's enduring spirit. In sports, we see few fine examples such as him who inspire us anew in life. Grace builds upon nature. Sporting excellence holds life lessons. This experience is opening the minds of people here and perhaps elsewhere. How did he become our first Olympic champion? How should youths be nurtured? What ideals do we strive for in life? What is real gold?

This is indeed the Schooling of Singapore.

(View the gallery of photos by clicking on any of them or here.)

Joseph Schooling victory parade in SingaporeJoseph Schooling victory parade in Singapore. Read the blog here.

Fans lining a multi-storey carpark ramp waiting for Joseph Schooling's arrival at Marine Terrace.

Joseph Schooling victory parade in SingaporeJoseph Schooling victory parade in Singapore. Read the blog here.

A much awaited moment for many at Marine Terrace.

Joseph Schooling victory parade in SingaporeJoseph Schooling victory parade in Singapore. Read the blog here.

A brief message for the masses.

Joseph Schooling victory parade in SingaporeJoseph Schooling victory parade in Singapore. Read the blog here.

Joseph's father Colin (wearing the red cap) and coach Sergio Lopez Miro on the bus.

Joseph Schooling victory parade in SingaporeJoseph Schooling victory parade in Singapore. Read the blog here. Joseph tries his hand with a photojournalist's camera amid media frenzy.