With the Southeast Asia (SEA) Games now underway, spectators have already glimpsed the greatness of Singapore’s rising star in 19-year old Joseph Schooling.
On just the second day of the swimming competition of the Games, Schooling has already broken two individual Singaporean records. First, Schooling sprinted his way to a stellar 48.58 in the men’s 100m freestyle in new SEA Games and Singaporean record-setting fashion. Then, Schooling earned a new Singaporean National Record and SEA Games record in the men’s 200m freestyle (1:47.79), as lead-off to his squad’s winning 4x200m freestyle relay. The relay would also go on to break the SEA Games Record in the event.
Known primarily for his prowess in the butterfly events, where, while competing for the University of Texas Longhorns, Schooling was double NCAA champion, winning both the 100y butterfly and 200y butterfly events, it may surprise some to see his dominance in these freestyle events. Of course, someone who is certainly not surprised is Schooling’s Texas coach Eddie Reese.
Prior to the start of these SEA Games, while hosting a Singapore Swimming Association-sponsored clinic with that nation’s head coach, Sergio Lopez, Reese foreshadowed his vision for Schooling at these SEA Games. “If he were to pick a meet a year after the Olympics (next year), like the Asian Games, leave the fly events alone and compete in the freestyle and individual medley events, he will surprise people in the 100 and 200 free, as well as the 200 IM,” said Reese.
Of Schooling’s performance, Reese commented, “I’ve said before he is talented, and not nearing his best. His 100m freestyle swim today was better than what Sergio and I expected. Breaking 49 seconds is unexpected, but going 48 is just beyond believable. His best events are the butterfly, so it is exciting to see how he fares.” (Singapore Today)
This echoes the sentiments of the athlete himself, who admits he did not formally prepare for his freestyle events. “It is always great to have a good first day at the swimming competition and start it off with a big bang,” said Schooling. “I wanted to get two gold and two national records so I am glad I pulled it off. I don’t really practice much in the freestyle, so I just winged it. Seven more events (in this SEA Games) is a lot, and a lot of things can happen, so I just take it one day at a time … I am confident with what I can do.” (Singapore Today). Schooling is entered in a total of nine events over the course of the Games.
Looking slightly more long-term, Reese talked high-level on the plan for Kazan, saying, “After this meet (SEA Games) we’re going to talk about his lineup for the world championships… I think getting the medals is the most important thing.”
The last time Ryan Murphy swam a LCM 100 free in competition was 2013 nationals in a time of 50:10.
How about the 49.88 he swam in Austin five months ago? In that race, he beat Matt Grevers, Jimmy Feigen, Seth Stubblefield, and…Joseph Schooling. He also swam faster than everyone in the B final, including Ryan Lochte, Bruno Fratus, and Kristian Gkolomeev (who he also outsplit anchoring the 400 free relay at NCAA’s).
I’m certainly not suggesting that he needs to outswim his Bolles teammates just to say he did it. I am suggesting that the Bolles guys all seem to do well in freestyle, no matter what else their speciality may be, and that it seems like Murphy projects to be competitive in the freestyle events (certainly for a relay spot), as well as the backstrokes. Unfortunately, if the… Read more »
I love the intro for each swimmer at these games on that turn-style door.
Instead of all competitors walking out all at once, wasn’t it the 2011 Shanghai WC that introduced the new style of introducing swimmers – one at a time?
Powerful freestyle, impressive in a 19 year old. As is the fact that it’s not his primary stroke, and how well he transitioned from scy to lcm. A star in the making, no doubt about it.
I’m sure Ryan Murphy is not going to be swimming any free this summer to keep up with his Bolles teammates. He has enough to worry about with Grevers and Clary in the 100 and 200 back. And that is just in the USA. We all know he ruled SC. It’s all about the LCM now and he has work to do.
I don’t see how working on sprint free is going to hinder his backstroke ability. I can’t imagine Dave Durden training him exclusively for the 100/200 back, especially with how the 100 free is in the US right now. Considering only three guys could really be considered favorites to make the relay in Rio (Adrian, Fiegen, Phelps) and the rest all being between 49 low and 48 mid/high, Murphy has as much of a shot at being in the top 6 in the 100 free next summer as anyone, and I bet they go for it.
How much you want to bet Ryan Murphy joins his Bolles teammates Schooling, Condorelli, and Dressel in the sub-49 club this summer, if he gets a chance to swim the 100 free at anything close to a proper rest? It’s a shame that Worlds and Summer Nationals overlap.
I always thought Ryan Murphy would have a great 100 free. His yards times are superb for a primary backstroker. 42 in high school. And he split a 41.14 at NCAAs after an exhausting schedule.
He winged a 48.58 100m Freestyle in one of his “off” events?…..
50.8- 100 Fly
1:54.8- 200 Fly
1:58.20- 200 IM
23.3- 50 Fly
21.8- 50 Free
Final Predictions
50.8 100 fly?? 21.8 50 free??? He’s good. But not quite there yet
Pump the breaks bobthebuilderrocks. He was out in the 100m free in something like a 23.08. I don’t think he has a 21.8 50m free in him or a 50.8 100m fly, but I guess we’ll find out in the next couple of days 🙂
Yeah 21.8 isn’t happening, maybe a mid 22. I think he will be 50.95 in the 100 fly. He’s improved a lot since last season and seems to be on point right now.
We have to remember, Joseph has two events everyday practically. And his main goal is to deliver the gold medals. So some of his events, especially his individual events, he may have to hold back to ensure he has enough gas left.
For example today’s 200 Fly will come after his 50 Free. While I hope he can clock a good time in the 200 Fly, he may be abit spent from earlier exertions
Sorry guys, so far my predictions have been a tad too fast. Hopefully Joe goes udner the 51 barrier.
48.58 is insane for a 19-year-old non freestyler. I think Phelps’ best in a textile is 48.08.
Kids keep getting faster these days.
That`s a ridiculous time for a 19years-old.I remember when Cielo made 48.61 at nineteen(in 2006) and was top5 in the World.A fly specialist doing that…insane!