'I made a mistake and I accept the consequences': Schooling disappointed by news of SportSG sanctions
SportSG will suspend all support for Schooling, Amanda Lim and Teong Tzen Wei for a month.
Singapore's Joseph Schooling at the 2016 Summer Olympics. (File photo: AP/Matt Slocum)
SINGAPORE: Former Olympic champion Joseph Schooling said he was disappointed by news of Sport Singapore's (SportSG) sanctions, but added that he would accept the consequences of his "mistake".
SportSG on Wednesday (Sep 28) said that it will suspend all support for national swimmers Schooling, Amanda Lim and Teong Tzen Wei for a month after they confessed to consuming controlled drugs overseas.
For a month beginning from Oct 1, the three carded athletes under the high performance scheme will not receive training assistance grants or have access to sports science and sports medicine facilities and services, SportSG said in a statement after it concluded an internal review.
SportSG named Teong for the first time on Wednesday as the third swimmer who was investigated for drug-related offences.
It also noted that the athletes had tested negative for controlled drugs while under investigation by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) for drug-related offences, but admitted to drug use while being TeamSG athletes.
"It's disappointing, of course, to receive news of the suspension of support. As a national athlete, we need all-rounded support to help navigate us in our journey in all aspects of life. I made a mistake and I accept the consequences," said Schooling in a statement issued by his representative.
"I have been training on my own for the last five to six weeks in my spare time outside of my commitments to National Service. I’ll continue to do so and thank you to everyone who has stood by me."
Given Schooling's abuse of disruption privileges, the Ministry of Defence said previously that he will no longer be eligible for leave or disruption to train or compete while in National Service.
Lim was given a stern warning by CNB under the Misuse of Drugs Act for possessing a drug utensil. Schooling and Lim both issued apologies in August.
It is illegal for Singaporeans and permanent residents to consume cannabis, whether in Singapore or overseas. The substance is also on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of banned in-competition drugs.
