(Image grab from Channel NewsAsia YouTube video)

Like many, I was a little surprised to read about Joseph Schooling announcing his retirement from competitive swimming recently. It seemed like it wasn’t too long ago when he became Singapore’s national hero by being the first local athlete to win an Olympic gold medal in 2016.

It capped a childhood dream that Joseph had harboured since young, a dream which was supported every step of the way by loving parents who helped him pursue his lifelong aspiration. Deservedly, the remarkable achievement won the young man national acclaim and numerous accolades.

However, alongside success came various challenges and stresses, such as the pressure to defend his Olympic title and to maintain a rigorous training regimen. The passing of his father, a strong supporter of Joseph’s swimming ambitions, in 2021 undoubtedly took an emotional toll on him.

Perhaps the weight of these challenges momentarily derailed him, leading to his admission of cannabis use at an overseas competition.

Reading his story, I was encouraged by Joseph’s willingness to share about his past successes and failures. It must have taken him great courage to talk about them so openly, knowing that many were watching.

Joseph’s story led me to reflect about repentance and renewal.

Like him, many of us face pressures and challenges in life that threaten to distract us from our goals and aspirations. We may start off with the desire to be happily married, to be godly parents, and to be a faithful witness for Christ wherever we are. But then we find ourselves waylaid by our own folly as we stumble and make mistakes.

It takes moral courage and personal accountability to acknowledge these shortcomings if we truly want to change for the better.

Another lesson I can draw from Joseph’s story is how he also realised that his swimming achievements do not define his identity. He has spoken of his willingness to start anew, and to draw on his past shortcomings to propel him forward in life.

This reminds me of what our loving God assures us in 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Those are indeed comforting words, for we know we can be forgiven, put our past behind us, and move on if we confess our sins to God.

The Apostle Paul also encourages us with these familiar and inspiring words in Philippians 3:13–14:

“Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus.”

We are called to let go of our past accomplishments and failures, and to focus on the present and the future. We are urged to move forward and aim for the finish line, knowing that a great reward awaits us there: to be united with Christ Jesus and attain the heavenly prize that God has promised to those who faithfully follow Christ to the very end.

This spiritual journey will require us to persevere and stay focused on Christ, our prize and eternal reward. May God therefore grant us the strength and courage to repent and renew our faith in Him as we seek to restart the life that He has promised us!

Thank You, Father, for sending Your Son Jesus to die for us, that we may be forgiven when we confess and repent of our sins. Thank You for the gift of redemption, the promise of renewal, and the assurance of everlasting life. Give us the strength to persevere and keep running this race of life.