Joseph Schooling: Singapore Olympic star suspended over cannabis scandal

Singapore first Olympic gold medallist Joseph Schooling has been suspended from competing in swimming competitions after he admitted to consuming cannabis overseas.

“I exhibited bad judgment and am is sorry, ” he said.

The 27-year-old became a local sporting hero when he won the particular country’s first Olympic gold at the 2016 Rio Games.

However the scandal has now split opinion in a country known for its strict drug laws.

Many expressed sympathy for the national swimmer, noting that his father had passed away last November and was facing immense pressure as an athlete.

“Every young person makes mistakes, ” one person commented on an article about the case. Another published: “This is a nothingburger. Many have attempted it overseas. ”

However , there were furthermore those who condemned Mister Schooling’s drug use.

“It is totally unacceptable as a best sportsman who is supposed to be a national part model, ” a Facebook commenter mentioned.

Singapore manages the consumption of controlled drugs – such as cannabis – not only inside the country, but outside of it as well. People or permanent inhabitants who fail urine tests for illegal drugs face up to 10 years in prison plus a S$20, 000 ($14, 300; £12, 300) fine.

It also includes a mandatory death penalty for drug trafficking, which has become more and more controversial as more youthful Singaporeans begin to talk up against capital abuse.

In a statement, Mr Schooling apologised that will his actions caused hurt to their family and young fans who looked as much as him.

“I gave in to a flash of weakness after going through a very hard period of my life, inch he said.

Another national swimmer, 29-year-old Amanda Lim, also confessed to consuming cannabis. She was handed a warning by Central Narcotics Agency after an investigation.

“There is no excuse, and am will take the caution given to me significantly and reflect on my mistakes, ” the girl said in a declaration.

Singapore’s Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) mentioned on Tuesday that Mr Schooling handed the urine medication tests, but the 27-year-old confessed that he taken cannabis while he or she was on a split from his military service to train plus participate in the Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam in-may.

Given the “abuse of disruption privileges”, Mr Schooling will no longer be able to consider leave or interrupt his military support to train or contend, the ministry mentioned.

He will also be put on a supervised urine test routine for six months and might sentenced to up to nine months’ detention in military detention barracks if he tests positive.

Just about all male Singaporean citizens and permanent occupants have to serve about two years of full-time military service, usually starting when they are usually 18, unless they are exempted.

The start day for Mr Schooling’s military service was deferred multiple times therefore he could compete within international competitions, before he enlisted within January this year.