'A stud': Swim legend Michael Phelps hails retired Joseph Schooling's 'great career'

PARIS: It has been almost eight years to the day he was pipped to the wall in an Olympic final by a Singaporean, but legendary American swimmer Michael Phelps has not forgotten that moment.

Speaking to reporters at Omega House in downtown Paris on Monday (Aug 5), Phelps was effusive in his praise of the now retired Joseph Schooling.

"I love Jojo. He's been an awesome competitor of mine. I remember meeting him back in 2008 with his parents at the country club pool," said the swim great.

"He's a stud. I knew he was going to be tough in that race in '16, and he had so much front-half speed."

Schooling, Singapore’s only Olympic gold medallist, announced his retirement from competitive swimming in April.

He made history for Singapore at the 2016 Rio Olympics when he won gold in the 100m butterfly, beating his idol Phelps. Schooling holds eight national records - six in individual events and two in the relays.

"We went back and forth in text a few times in the last year," revealed Phelps. "It's fun to see him being able to retire when he wanted to. He won his gold medal, it's so big, it's so impressive.

"To be able to win a gold medal is less than 1 per cent of the 1 per cent, to have that opportunity like he did, in the moment that he did, it's a great career. I wish him nothing but the best."

Phelps, who has 28 Games medals to his name, is the most-decorated Olympian of all time. 

In a wide-ranging interview with reporters where he fielded a range of questions, Phelps spoke about the need for tougher sanctions for doping offences.

He has been vocal about such issues in the past. In June, the 39-year-old spoke before a congressional panel on anti-doping measures.

'We all need to be held on the same level," said Phelps. "You guys can go