![](https://i.imgur.com/CLvY2jA.png")
07-08-2024, 10:44 AM
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commenta...cs-4529131
Take Joseph Schooling, Singapore’s first gold medal Olympic winner, for example. His parents reportedly spent more than S$1 million to support his swimming career, even going so far as to sell a home in Australia.
Singaporean rower Saiyidah Aisyah Mohamed Rafa’ee resorted to crowdfunding in 2016, raising S$12,500 for her training stint in Australia ahead of her Rio Olympics qualification campaign.
Apart from the scholarship money I received to support my sporting expenses, my parents spent upwards of S$50,000 a year to bolster my journey.
Another thing to note is that for families like mine with multiple children on the national team - my older brother played water polo and my younger brother was the top triathlete in Singapore and Asia at one point - the financial burden can weigh heavy. My parents didn't just have to support me, they also had to support my brothers. Sponsors were my lifeline - something not everyone has.
Take Joseph Schooling, Singapore’s first gold medal Olympic winner, for example. His parents reportedly spent more than S$1 million to support his swimming career, even going so far as to sell a home in Australia.
Singaporean rower Saiyidah Aisyah Mohamed Rafa’ee resorted to crowdfunding in 2016, raising S$12,500 for her training stint in Australia ahead of her Rio Olympics qualification campaign.
Apart from the scholarship money I received to support my sporting expenses, my parents spent upwards of S$50,000 a year to bolster my journey.
Another thing to note is that for families like mine with multiple children on the national team - my older brother played water polo and my younger brother was the top triathlete in Singapore and Asia at one point - the financial burden can weigh heavy. My parents didn't just have to support me, they also had to support my brothers. Sponsors were my lifeline - something not everyone has.
