Swimmer Joseph Schooling pulls out of 2023 SEA Games, says not performing at 'level I hold myself to perform'

SINGAPORE — National swimmer Joseph Schooling said on Wednesday (March 1) that he will not be taking part in the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. 

In a media statement, the winner of Singapore's first Olympic gold medal said that he has decided to pull out after careful consideration with his team. 

"This was not an easy decision, but I am currently not at the level at which I hold myself to perform," Schooling said.

In January this year, Schooling was selected as a member of the Singapore team to compete in the SEA Games in Cambodia from May 5 to 17, national daily The Straits Times reported.

The Singapore National Olympic Council said that 572 athletes across 30 sports were set to represent the country in the games. 

This is the first SEA Games that Schooling is missing since his debut in 2011. 

In his statement, Schooling said: "Ultimately, my country comes first before individual accolades.

"I have decided to give my spot to team mates who have been getting themselves ready and considered for selection while I cheer from home and focus on my Navy duties."  

Schooling had been on long-term deferment from National Service since 2014. 

He enlisted for NS on Jan 3, 2022 after his deferment ended in August 2021. 

Last year Schooling was embroiled in a drug scandal. In October, he was fined S$10,000 by the Singapore National Olympic Council after admitting that he consumed cannabis overseas earlier in 2022.

In response to TODAY's queries, national swimming head coach Gary Tan said that Schooling has been a mainstay of the national team for "quite some time".

"I know that Joe believes as well that there are capable swimmers in the team who can step up to the challenge," said Mr Tan. 

He added that the team will miss Schooling's presence but they will keep moving forward.

On the SEA Games team, Mr Tan said: "This team has a good mix of youth and experience and we are confident of a strong showing in Cambodia."

He said that it will be a busy year, with the SEA Games in May, the World Championships in July and the Asian Games in September. 

“But the swimmers have prepared well and are looking forward to priming themselves for the upcoming meets," said Mr Tan. 

Schooling's teammates, Quah Zheng Wen and Teong Tzen Wei, will be participating in the SEA Games.

Schooling clinched Singapore's first Olympic gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics with an Olympic record time of 50.39s for the men's 100m butterfly event.

However, he failed to qualify for the semi-finals at the Tokyo Olympics in July 2021, finishing last in his 100m butterfly heat at 53.12s. 

At the 2022 Hanoi SEA Games, Schooling's time of 52.22s saw him won his fifth consecutive SEA Games gold in his pet event. 

Schooling's manager declined comment when asked to elaborate on why Schooling is not performing at the level he holds himself to.