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Joseph Schooling's story told in two new books - and a train

Fans of Singapore's Olympic champion Joseph Schooling can, in slightly over a week, own books signed by the 21-year-old swimmer.

On Nov 21, he will sign two books about him to help raise funds for The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund (SPMF), which supports students from low-income families.

He will sign the books, published by The Straits Times Press, at Singapore Press Holdings' (SPH) News Centre in Toa Payoh North at the launch event from 1pm to 2pm.

Schooling said he really wanted to share his story through these two books, hoping it would inspire readers.

"More than anything, I want people to know that anyone can achieve great things as long as they set their minds on it and give it their absolute best.

The second book, titled Schooling Joseph, is written for adult fans by veteran sports journalists Rohit Brijnath and Chan U-Gene.

The 148-page book draws from over a decade of SPH sports coverage of Schooling, chronicling his journey from water baby to competitive swimming at age five, and the intense training, discipline and family sacrifices that paved his road to Rio.

Schooling Joseph also features intimate family photos of the Olympic gold medallist as a toddler, and notes written by his mother, May, to motivate him.

Photos were curated by The Straits Times' photo editor Stephanie Yeow from SPH archives and the Schooling family's private photo album.

One-fifth of all book sale proceeds will be donated to SPMF.

Separately, Schooling is also signing 20 limited edition, hardcover copies of Schooling Joseph. The 20 books have been pre-sold, raising $26,000 for SPMF.

The Straits Times © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Reproduced with permission.