‘How much longer want to drag this issue?’ — Netizens react to SNOC fining Joseph Schooling, Amanda Lim & Teong Tzen Wei for breach of conduct code 

The Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) announced on Monday (Oct 31) that three national swimmers had been fined for breaching its code of conduct during the South East Asia Games.

Earlier this year, swimmers Joseph Schooling, Amanda Lim, and Teong Tzen Wei had admitted to consuming controlled drugs while representing the country overseas.

Schooling was fined $10,000, while Lim and Teong were meted fines in the amount of $2,800 and $3,200 respectively, SNOC said in a press statement.

“The athletes admitted to various incidents and conduct which amounted to transgressions of the SNOC Code of Conduct. Our athletes recognise that they are role models and held to higher standards. However, we understand that there can be lapses of judgment as evidenced in these recent incidents.

The SNOC takes the conduct of athletes seriously and it is regrettable that these athletes have erred. They have been penalised by different bodies and have suffered the consequences, and we hope they will learn from this experience to emerge as stronger individuals.”

Aside from the fine, Schooling, who was found to have breached a number of rules of the Code of Conduct during the SEA Games in Hanoi last May, has also been given a conditional warning stating that if he breaches any Code of Conduct rule or be found to have consumed any drugs banned by Singapore, he will be prohibited from competing for two years in all major Games.

The rules he was found to have broken are related to alcohol, drugs or medication, accountability as well as gambling and smoking.

Lim and Teong were discovered to have breached rules related to behaviour and conduct during the 2019 SEA Games in the Philippines.

The SNOC said that the fines would go toward the Singapore Olympic Foundation, a charity. 

Netizens commenting on the announcement from SNOC appear to be eager for the athletes, who have apologised publicly, to be allowed to move on.

National marathoner Soh Rui Yong, who is a friend of Schooling’s, commented that the SNOC “missed a great chance to score some brownie points by pledging exactly who and where the fines collected would be going to.”

He also wondered why Schooling is being made to pay much more than the other two swimmers.

/TISG

Joseph Schooling disappointed by news of SportSG sanctions but says ‘I made a mistake and I accept the consequences’