Schooling says Phelps inspired him to succeed in the sport, and succeed he did.
He signed autographs and took selfies for an hour, the crowd chanting his name.
He’s a true champion.
Vinh competed in the 2012 London Games, but he placed ninth and fourth in his two events.
When she returned to Kosovo, Kelmendi welcomed with cheers.
Plus, the Fijians became the inaugural mens team to win gold in the Olympic sport.
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 12: Michael Phelps of United States celebrate his silver medal with gold medal Joseph Schooling of Singapour the final men’s 100m Butterfly at Olympic Aquatics Stadium on August 12, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Xavier Laine/Getty Images)
Rugby sevens was new to the Olympics this year in Rio.
Like Kosovo, it’s also the first ever medal of any color for the country.
Fiji beat Great Britain in the gold medal match for the historic win, dominating 43 to 7.
SINGAPORE - AUGUST 18: Singaporean swimmer, Joseph Schooling (R) gives the thumbs up as he arrives at his neighbourhood in Marine Terrace during his victory parade on August 18, 2016 in Singapore. Schooling won Singapore’s first Olympic gold medal when he won the 100m Butterfly final, beating Michael Phelps of the United States in that race at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. (Photo by Suhaimi Abdullah/Getty Images)
And their win has had repercussions on the whole country.
Before the Olympics, thecountry’s prime minister had plans to change the nation’s flag.
And this year, Monica Puig, 22, brought home the country’s first ever gold medal.
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 06: Vietnam’s gold medallist Hoang Xuan Vinh poses on the podium during the medal ceremony for the men’s 10m Air Pistol shooting event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Shooting Centre on Day 1 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
Puig is ranked No.
34 in the world, so her gold medal win was a total upset.
She beat the No.2 ranked player from Germany, Angelique Kerber.
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 07: Gold medalist Majlinda Kelmendi of Kosovo and silver medalist Odette Giuffrida of Italy pose on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Women’s -52kg Judo on Day 2 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 2 on August 7, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
After her win, Puig toldNBCthat winning the first gold for Puerto Rico is a dream come true.
“I really owe it to Puerto Rico for their support,” she said.
“And there’s no better way to give it back than to give them this.”
Kosovo’s judoka Majlinda Kelmendi shows her gold medal to the supporters during a welcoming ceremony in Pristina on August 14, 2016.Majlinda Kelmendi made history in Rio de Janiero by becoming the first athlete from Kosovo to win an Olympic gold medal. / AFP / ARMEND NIMANI (Photo credit should read ARMEND NIMANI/AFP/Getty Images)
Gold medallists Fiji celebrate during the mens rugby sevens medal ceremony during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Deodoro Stadium in Rio de Janeiro onAugust 11, 2016. / AFP / John MACDOUGALL (Photo credit should read JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP/Getty Images)
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 13: Gold medalist Monica Puig of Puerto Rico reacts during the medal ceremony for Women’s Singles on Day 8 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Tennis Centre on August 13, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
