Joseph Schooling's home... for a week

Joseph Schooling's second homecoming after winning Singapore's historic first Olympic gold was a quiet affair yesterday morning - a private arrival greeted only by his personal entourage, away from his adoring fans and autograph seekers.

It was a far cry from the swim star's first trip home in August, days after winning the 100m butterfly gold in Rio de Janeiro. Then, more than 500 fans welcomed him at Changi Airport in a rousing reception.

Not that the 21-year-old is complaining. The University of Texas student, who brought his good friend and swim teammate Tripp Cooper along, said: "It is a nice change, especially after a long flight. I love to meet new people, but this (low-key arrival) gives me time with my loved ones."

Schooling is in town until next Friday for a series of public appearances, chiefly a Singapore Swimming Association golf fund-raiser at Tanah Merah Country Club (TMCC) on Tuesday.

While his arrival was inconspicuous, he was unsurprisingly the centre of attention at various stopovers with his entourage - which included his parents, Colin and May - at TMCC, Ngee Ann City and Millenia Walk yesterday, being approached by a constant stream of wefie-hunters and well-wishers.

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Cooper said: "I saw his photos from his August homecoming, so I had a good idea what to expect.

"Back in the States, the attention (on Joseph) has gone down a bit, but it is still quite amazing and nice to see so many people approach him, especially the children, who looked really excited."

Schooling now has a dedicated four-man security team accompanying him everywhere - even during toilet breaks.

His day ended with dinner with his extended family at Roland Restaurant.

Singaporeans who missed the Olympic champion during his victory parade in August will have more chances to catch him in the flesh over the next few days.

His series of public appearances will start today at Ngee Ann City, where he will headline an event organised by Make-A-Wish Foundation and Watsons.

That is followed by a trip to the Istana, where President Tony Tan Keng Yam will host a tea reception for Team Singapore's 2016 Olympians and Paralympians.

Schooling will also hold public book-signing sessions, including one at the Singapore Press Holdings News Centre on Monday, where he will sign two books published by Straits Times Press for the first 50 buyers in queue.

The two volumes, titled Schooling Joseph and From Kid To King, are written by current and former Straits Times sports journalists.

Another highlight will be the Singapore National Olympic Council's Multimillion-dollar Awards Programme awards presentation and appreciation dinner on Thursday, where Schooling is set to receive a $1 million cheque for his Olympic gold.

Public appearances

1. Today, 2pm: Make-A-Wish foundation event at Ngee Ann City with Watsons.

2. Tomorrow, 2pm: Book- signing at Kinokuniya, Ngee Ann City

3. Monday, 1pm: Book-signing at Singapore Press Holdings News Centre

4. Wednesday, 3.30pm: Singapore Swimming Association Legacy Council Exhibition at National Museum

5. Thursday, 4pm: Make-A-Wish foundation event at Kallang Wave Mall

This article was first published on Nov 19, 2016.
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