SportSG suspends support for Joseph Schooling, Amanda Lim, Teong Tzen Wei for a month after drug-related offences

In considering the appropriate steps to take, SportSG said that it met with the athletes and conducted an internal review, which concluded last week.

Schooling, Lim and Teong have been issued with letters of warning, it added.

SportSG said that the action taken against them “underscore their responsibility and accountability as national athletes”.

It added that a range of factors were taken into account, including CNB’s findings. 

“All three athletes cooperated fully throughout the internal review process, and readily admitted to the consumption,” SportSG noted.

“They had expressed remorse for their lapses in judgment, and have appealed to be given a second chance to prove themselves and fulfil their roles and responsibilities as national athletes.”

Schooling, Lim and Teong have resolved to avoid controlled drugs in the future, and are “committed to making amends by contributing back to the sporting community and play a part in education and other efforts to prevent others from making the same mistake”.

“SportSG will continue to support all three athletes after the period of suspension, in both their sporting endeavours as well as their continued rehabilitation from this episode.”

The Singapore Swimming Association (SSA) said in a statement that as part of their suspension, the three swimmers will not be able to train at the National Aquatics Centre or have access to any facilities, benefits or services accorded to high-performance athletes during this period.

However SSA added that it will continue to support Schooling, Lim and Teong after their suspension.

While the association has a zero-tolerance stance on the use of controlled drugs, the swimmers should not be ostracised from the community for their mistakes, SSA president Mark Chay said.

“The three swimmers have realised their mistakes and are remorseful for their actions,” said Mr Chay. 

“They will face the consequences for their actions. More importantly, the association is taking steps for us, as a swimming community, to come together and help our own get back on their feet.