3) Joseph Schooling, Gold in 100m butterfly
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No defeat can take anything away from Michael Phelps’ greatness. Not possibly even the last one of his career. However, to beat Michael Phelps will add some bit of greatness to anyone’s story. And when you beat Phelps’ for your country’s first medal, you’re ensured of a special place in your country’s sporting history forever. 21-year-old Joseph Schooling of Singapore did just that in his first appearance on the Olympics stage.
The boy who grew up idolizing Phelps and has an 8-year-old photo with him too to prove that came first in the event by the narrowest of margins to ensure the most decorated Olympian had to settle for a silver in his last Olympic event. Schooling completely acknowledged the role of his idol on his journey to the Rio Gold.
“If it wasn’t for Michael, I don’t think I could have gotten to this point. I wanted to be like him as a kid,” Schooling said. “I think a lot of this is because of Michael. He is the reason why I wanted to be a better swimmer.”
