Q & A with Joseph Schooling

He could become Singapore's Michael Phelps - and put an end to a prolonged drought of Olympic medals for the lion city.

Enter Joseph Schooling, the 16-year-old who is now Singapore's hope for filling in the gap for the lack of male swimming talent.

His 1:56:67 winning time in the Men's 200m fly in the South-East Asian Games last year met the Olympic 'A' qualifying time of 1:56.86, which guaranteed him a place in the 2012 London Olympics. It was also a new Singapore national open and under-17 record, as well as a new SEA Games mark.

Here's what he has to say on how he juggles his busy schedule, what brands he loves and who he draws inspiration from.

Q: What's your training schedule like for a day?

I have practice from Mondays to Saturdays. Double practice on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Morning practice from 5.30 to 6.30 and afternoon practice from 3.15 to 6.15. I have nine sessions per week, light weights every odd day after afternoon practice.

Q: How do you balance sports and personal life?

Time management is really important. I have to keep a tight schedule if I want to do everything I want to accomplish for the day. I have to multitask most of the time.

Q: What kind of sportswear do you normally don on?

I love TYR for swimming. I feel as if they make the best equipment suitable for me. I wear the Bolles T-Shirt for dry land, and TYR shorts.

Q: Any advice for Singaporeans who want to look good when exercising?

Exercise at home and get fit before going out to exercise in public gyms and stuff haha. Other than that do a ton of abs. They'll pay off.

Q: Any advice for Singaporeans who want to further develop their sporting potential?

Never give up. Race for experience and the more you dream the further you get.

Q: Who do you look up to and why?

I like Michael Phelps. I've always looked up to him because he's a great guy and a fantastic swimmer. Being able to race him will be a thrill.