Singapore's first Olympic gold medalist Joseph Schooling has apologized for the use of cannabis during the Hanoi Games in May while on leave from military service
Singapore's first Olympic gold medalist Joseph Schooling has confessed to using cannabis while competing overseas and on leave from his ongoing military service.
The 27-year-old swimmer was on leave to compete at the Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi where he won two gold medals.
According to the Singapore Ministry of Defense (MINDEF), Schooling "confessed to have consumed cannabis overseas in May," despite testing negative in urine tests for controlled drugs as investigated by the Central Narcotics Bureau.
Schooling enlisted for mandatory national service in January. He took a break from national service to train and participate for the SEA Games.
"I gave in to a moment of weakness after going through a very tough period of my life," Schooling said in an apology message posted late on Tuesday on his Instagram account.
"I am sorry that my actions have caused hurt to everyone around me, especially to my family and the young fans who look up to me."
Schooling was formally warned and will undergo a supervised urine test regime for six months with MINDEF.
"The SAF maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards drug abuse. Service personnel who test positive for drug abuse will be charged and sentenced to the SAF Detention Barracks," MINDEF said.
The decorated swimmer will have his privilege revoked to take a leave to train or compete while he is in national service and will likely miss next year's World Aquatics Championships, Asian Games or Southeast Asian Games.
"I made a mistake and I'm responsible for what I've done. I will make amends and right what is wrong. I won't let you down again," Schooling wrote.
Sport Singapore (SportSG) also reported that aside from Schooling, fellow national swimmer Amanda Lim wasinvestigated by CNB for possible offensses related to the consumption of cannabis.
The 29-year-old swimmer was then issued with a stern warning by CNB under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Tags: #Singapore, #drugs, #swimming