Just over a month ago, a certain Joseph Schooling announced his retirement from swimming at the age of 28 - causing a ripple amongst Singapore’s professional athletes and the general public. Some saw it as the end of an era, while others viewed it as a manifestation of limited runways for athletes in Singapore. So does our perception of retirement for professional athletes need a refresh? If we can readily celebrate career transitions in other professions and advocate the national agenda for upskilling and lifelong learning, why then do we frown upon athletes who choose to retire early? Danny Yeo, a retired multiple medals winning swimmer with Team Singapore, weighs in.

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