Swimmer Joseph Schooling put Singapore on the global sporting map and captured the hearts of local sports fans, when he won the country’s first — and only to date — Olympic gold medal at the 2016 Olympiad.
But some of those hearts may have broken last night when news emerged that the swimmer had confessed to using cannabis while overseas in May this year as he prepared for and competed at the South-east Asian Games in Vietnam.
Beyond that, he had become a national hero and icon after trailblazing performances in the pool that included world championship medals to go with his Olympic feat, which saw him beat no less a legend than the incomparable American swim star Michael Phelps. That two swimmers were flagged at the same time is also bound to raise concerns for the sport and how it could happen to two high-profile athletes.
Transparency will be crucial once the findings of the reviews are completed for public accountability, but more so if the sport is to retain its popularity and continue to attract young athletes and their families. Under the scheme, drug offenders who voluntarily confess the first time will not be punished and will instead receive counselling and rehabilitation. Schooling confessed while being investigated by the CNB, and this is likely to be why he faces sterner measures.
When I was training and participating in international competitions, it was common to see athletes dealing with the stress and pressures of their sporting careers by letting off steam after major events or during the off season. This would most commonly come in the form of partying and drinking alcohol.
At the same time, there is an obligation to be held to higher standards that comes with the trappings of sporting success. Those who stand on the top step of the podium often have to accept that they will be icons, role models and heroes to many, and this comes with responsibilities.
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