SportSG to ‘thoroughly review circumstances’ of drug use involving national swimmers Joseph Schooling, Amanda Lim

SINGAPORE — As the country’s representatives on the sporting world stage, Singaporean athletes are expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct at all times, national sports governing body Sport Singapore (SportSG) said.

In a statement issued on Tuesday (Aug 30), it said that national swimmer Joseph Schooling admitted to taking cannabis in May this year while overseas and another national swimmer Amanda Lim was also investigated for possible offences related to the consumption of cannabis.

SportSG said that it intends to thoroughly review the circumstances behind these cases and determine the appropriate steps to be taken thereafter.

The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) had conducted investigations into Schooling and Lim.

At the conclusion of these investigations, SportSG said that Lim was issued a stern warning by CNB under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Schooling has since been referred to the Ministry of Defence and the Singapore Armed Forces for them to assess and take the appropriate measures “given that he is currently undergoing National Service (NS)”.

The ministry said in a separate statement that a warning had been issued to Schooling, and he has been put on a urine test regime for six months. The swimmer will also not be eligible for leave or disruption to train or compete while in NS.

SportSG said that both Lim and Schooling are national carded athletes and receive support from it in that capacity.

“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,” it added.

The Singapore Swimming Association and the Singapore National Olympic Council will also be reviewing the appropriate actions on their part.

In a statement given on Tuesday night, Schooling said that he gave in to "a moment of weakness" after going through a very tough period and apologised for what he had done. The swimmer's father died from cancer last November.

SportSG warned that Singapore adopts a zero-tolerance stance towards drugs.

“SportSG and Singapore Swimming Association will be engaging the swimming and other sporting fraternities to underscore the importance of complying with Singapore’s laws on drugs at all times,” it added.

Responding to queries from TODAY, Singapore Swimming Association's president Mark Chay said that the association is "disappointed by their actions with regards to their possible offences relating to the consumption of cannabis". 

He reiterated that drugs have "no place in our society" and that the association takes a zero-tolerance stance towards illegal drug use.

"This message, along with the expectations for our national athletes to uphold the highest standards of conduct, will be strongly reinforced among our community through our national coaches and affiliates," Mr Chay said. He himself is a former national swimmer and is now a Nominated Member of Parliament. 
 
"Together with SportSG and stakeholders, we will review the facts of the case and determine appropriate steps to take,” he added,