"Olympism aka The Olympic Spirit: The principles of peace, fair play and fair contest with the view to creating a peaceful society with less violence and competition. In other words, Olympism leads to a different, idealized way of life that today’s society desperately needs."
The IOC.
In the days since Joseph Schooling competed in the 100m Butterfly heats at the Olympics, there has been an outpouring of support from The President, Ministers, and the public, and that is fantastic. But I feel compelled to write this blog post because some things I have seen some rather vitriolic things online, written by some terribly ignorant people, who probably don't even understand the definition of the word 'vitriol'. I'm talking about the kind of people whose attitudes have put them in contention for the gold, silver, and bronze medals at the dingbat's Olympics. Yes, I'm talking about the hoo haha about our Joseph's performance at year's Olympic Games
Five years ago, we all watched TV as Joseph took to the starting blocks for the 100m butterfly in Rio. As we all know he was up against the heavyweights of Phelps, Le Clos, and Laszlo Cheh. Years of hard work, sacrifice, and a great deal of personal financial expense had brought Joseph to that moment. With the whole country was watching, waiting, and anticipating, a lesser person may have crumbled.
It's needless to say we were all thrilled beyond belief and I finished my shower and watched the race when it was replayed. My parents have known the Schoolings for years. They are very nice people. The journey to Olympic gold was not an easy one but they never wavered. I have to say Joseph is the definition of grace under pressure, class, and dignity; qualities that were no doubt instilled in him by his parents, Colin and May.
His hero's welcome was much deserved. Hey, I even went to a part of it at Singtel, braving hot and sweaty revelers who had seemingly never heard of deodorant let alone used it. If there was an Olympics for the pongiest fans, there would have been multiple ties for the gold. Deafening cheers heralded Joseph's arrival and as he walked past, I was shoved into a sea of very sticky bodies. I had never needed wet wipes or disinfectant more than at that very moment.
Joseph thanked everyone for their support and after a few more words he boarded his bus and was off to continue his victory lap around the country. His triumph came when I was about to give up my own journey of writing (I'm always on the verge of quitting) but I was inspired to write a kids' book about this young man. Dad helped me draft an email to Mr. Schooling to ask permission to write it and he kindly agreed. But I was beaten to the finish line by another book From Kid to King. Funnily enough, the illustrator of that book is Daryl Seow (no relation). And so I started work on my first non-fiction picture book. Like Joseph's Olympic journey, the road to publication was fraught with ups and downs, but it was finally published. Race to Rio: Joseph Schooling Goes for Olympic Gold. Two Schooling books by two Seows. There's a joke in there somewhere but I can't think of one right now.
Now five years later, here we are. There is no medal this time. But he is still an Olympic Champ and nothing will ever change that. I am, however, disappointed in the behavior and the attitude of some of my fellow Singaporeans. There have been gripes from some who supported his win back then but have turned positively vitriolic because they did not get the result they seem to think they were entitled to, that they think they were owed or deserved.
This fair-weather kind of support is extremely unbecoming, and it's even been reported in the international press like SCMP...and Yahoo News UK So embarrassing!
I have to say, a pair of extra small speedos on an elephant is capable of providing more support than these jokers. Thankfully they seem to be in the minority but they're, nevertheless, very irritating - like an itch you can't quite find. And what's worse they base their opinions on misinformation and assumptions. What did Donald Trump call it? Oh right, fake news.
Instead of being bitter, these people should be grateful that we have a true-blue Singaporean Gold medalist. He wasn't imported from another country; he was born here and raised here. They should be thankful that Olympians like Quah Zheng Wen, Quah Ting Wen, and Yu MengYu, Joseph have dedicated themselves to their sport, to put this country on the world stage. What have the naysayers done? Wait they've made the news by whinging.
I had a recent debate with someone on Twitter who was moaning about the fact there weren't any medals this time. After a while, I gave up this person does not understand the meaning of sportsmanship.
I don't think South Africa is complaining that Le Clos did not medal this time, are they? The public is not privy to training schedules or routines so they have no right to disparage or criticize. Doing so does not reflect the Olympic Spirit in the slightest.
The Schoolings don't deserve this treatment at all. And they, like the rest of us, have other cares and concerns that they have to face, so give them a break.
Thank you, Madam President, all the MPs, and anyone else who has spoken against such abhorrent, ungracious behavior.
So instead of being negative nellies, support Joseph, support Quah Zheng Wen and the rest of our Olympians. Being negative and critical does not help anyone, it hinders us.
So to those who have exhibited such behavior in recent days, I say focus on what you can do to make things better for yourself and others. I need to remind myself of this too. Oh boy, I really do!
Give Joseph and the rest of our Olympians some much-needed time and space and instead of providing unnecessary criticism, unwanted armchair analysis, or judgment about their performances. Show the world that Singaporeans understand the meaning of sportsmanship and the Olympic Spirit. Be humble in victory and gracious in defeat.
I Proverbs 18
"The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit."
