In a statement on Thursday, Fencing Singapore said it has been flexible when fencers meet “special circumstances”, noting that its athletes have been exempted from similar training requirements in the past.
“In such cases, upon being informed Fencing Singapore explores alternative arrangements to support the fencer’s needs, subject to sufficient lead time.
“In Mr Lee’s case, with the SEA Games starting in May, this was not possible and we share in his disappointment,” the association said.
Fencing Singapore added that it had consider other national team members who were also aware of training requirements and “would have rightful expectations of taking Mr Lee’s place”.
It confirmed there would be no replacement for Mr Lee in the team event, while a fencer who “has met the necessary training requirements” will replace Mr Lee in the individual event.
In response to CNA’s queries, the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) said Mr Si To Jian Tong was Mr Lee’s replacement in the individual event.
A replacement request for the team event did not meet the criteria set by SEA Games organisers for late athlete replacements, said SNOC, which sets the selection criteria for major games and endorses nominations from national sports associations (NSAs).
“In addition to SNOC’s selection criteria, the selected athletes have to fulfil the NSA’s selection requirements to be nominated by the NSA to the SNOC for consideration,” SNOC added.
“We are guided by the NSAs in the areas of training requirements and these requirements are reflected in their selection policies.”
In a new Instagram post on Thursday, Mr Lee said: “It wasn’t meant to be a fight, it was just to share my situation and move on.
“Once again thank you to all for the words of encouragement … It really means a lot to me and I truly appreciate it.”
The 32nd SEA Games will be hosted by Cambodia and will run from May 5 to May 17.