Touching stories behind the first Olympics gold medals at Rio

Rio de Janeiro, a city that makes dreams come true, has seen six countries and regions realize their dream of winning an Olympic gold medal for the first time. With the games reaching the halfway mark, let's check out some touching stories behind these amazing achievements.

In just one performance, Singapore's Joseph Schooling beat swimming great Michael Phelps, took home his city state's first Olympic gold medal and became an instant millionaire.Singapore: Stunning Phelps, Joseph Schooling wins 100 meters butterfly

Schooling, 21, finished the 100 meters butterfly final in an Olympic record time of 50.39 seconds, ahead of his childhood idol Michael Phelps, South Africa's Chad le Clos and Hungary's Laszlo Cseh who all finished in 51.14 seconds for a joint silver.

Known at home for smashing national records and winning multiple titles in regional competitions, Schooling carried the hopes of Singapore, an island nation of less than six million, which has only won two silvers and two bronzes since it joined the Olympic fold in 1948.

Singapore Olympic gold medalist swimmer Joseph Schooling takes a selfie with fans during a homecoming ceremony at Singapore's Changi Airport August 15, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]