Joseph Schooling's confession
In a statement released on the evening of August 30, the Singapore Sports Agency revealed that the Singapore Drug Administration (CNB) is investigating swimmer Joseph Schooling, 27, and Amada Lim, 29, for drug use abroad.
Josep Schooling himself admitted his mistake. I apologize for my actions that have hurt those around me, especially my family, the young people, who have always admired me, he said. I had a moment of weakness after going through a difficult period of life. I made mistakes and I take responsibility for what I did. I will try to fix it and not let everyone down once again".
In November 2021, Josep Schooling's father passed away from cancer. That was the person who had the biggest influence on the career of this swimmer. For Schooling, it was an irreparable loss. At the 31st SEA Games, Schooling won 2 gold medals and 1 bronze medal. Amada Lim won 1 gold medal, 1 silver medal.
Josep Schooling is currently still serving his military service, so he is under the management of the Singapore Ministry of National Defense. For drug use abroad, Joseph Schooling will be subject to strict supervision and will often have to have urine tested for the next 6 months. The latest urine test results showed that Schooling was negative, however, the swimmer born in 1995 will face heavy penalties from Singapore's sports management agencies.
At this time, the Singaporean Ministry of National Defense also sent an official warning letter to Schooling. In a statement released later, they also emphasized that Schooling is no longer eligible for delay or temporary leave from performing duties to practice and compete. That means Schooling will likely be absent from the ASIAD in Hangzhou, China and further into the 32nd SEA Games.
The image of collapse
Joseph Schooling, born in 1995, is considered the greatest pride of Singaporean sports. At the 2016 Olympics, he defeated idol Michael Phelps to win a gold medal in the 100m butterfly event (50 seconds 39). To date, it is still Singapore's only gold medal at this world's No. 1 playground.
To achieve this remarkable achievement, Schooling's family put up for sale their house and borrowed from the bank so he could go to the US to train and study. Therefore, the 2016 Olympic gold medal is considered a happy ending for the sacrifice of the family and the desire to reach the success of Schooling.
At the SEA Games, Schooling has won 30 gold medals since 2011. As for the 100m butterfly event, he dominated the last 5 congresses. Despite her decline, Schooling is still considered a hero of Singaporean swimming in particular and sports in this country in general. He is the idol of many people.
However, with the scandal of using marijuana during practice and competition at the 31st SEA Games, Schooling's career is at risk of breaking up. "S major players do not have a place in our society and we have a non-compromising view on this," said Mark Chay, president of the Singapore Swimming Association. For Singaporean swimmers, we will maintain the highest standard of ethics and this will never change."
In Singapore, drug use can face a prison sentence of 1 to 10 years, a fine or both. As for Schooling, he used marijuana abroad but will also face strict sentences, not excluding the possibility of a suspended prison sentence, because Schooling is currently serving his military service.
Schooling is still eager to compete to conquer new heights. However, this scandal will likely officially end his glorious career. In addition, the big brands that have sponsored Schooling over the years from banks, fashion brands, beverages... will also find it difficult to stand side by side with him in the coming time.
