SINGAPORE: Sport Singapore (SportSG) said it takes a serious view of national athletes’ misconduct after swimmers Joseph Schooling and Amanda Lim confessed to taking cannabis overseas.
Schooling, 27, admitted to taking the drug in May when he was on short-term disruption from full-time National Service (NS) to train and participate in the Southeast Asian Games, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) said on Tuesday (Aug 30).
The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) referred him to MINDEF and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) for actions to be taken, as he is undergoing NS.
Lim, 29, was issued a stern warning by CNB under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
SportSG noted that Lim and Schooling are currently national carded athletes who receive support from the agency.
“All TeamSG athletes are expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct as representatives of Singapore on the sporting world stage, at all times. Unlawful or unsportsmanlike conduct will not be condoned,” said SportSG.
“SportSG intends to thoroughly review the circumstances behind these cases, and determine the appropriate steps to be taken thereafter.”
It added that the Singapore Swimming Association (SSA) and the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) will also be reviewing appropriate actions on their part.
“Singapore adopts a zero-tolerance stance towards drugs. SportSG and SSA will be engaging the swimming and other sporting fraternities to underscore the importance of complying with Singapore’s laws on drugs at all times,” said SportSG.