The 2023 South East Asian (SEA) Games which would be hosted in Cambodia would be held on 5 May to 17 May.
Joseph Schooling, Singapore’s Swimming Olympic Gold Medalist withdraws from the squad
According to an article by CNA, Singapore’s Olympic gold medalist, Joseph Schooling, announced his withdrawal from the squad for the upcoming competition in a statement today (1 Mar).
The swimmer cited his ‘level’ as the reason as to why he was pulling out from the Games this year.
Focusing on his National Service duties instead
In his statement, Schooling also said that he had decided to pull out from the games after considering for some time.
While the decision to pull out was not easy, Schooling said that his current standard is not at the level in which he holds himself to perform.
He also said that Singapore comes first before his personal achievements.
Instead of participating, he would like to stay behind and focus on his duties to the nation which is his National Service in this instance.
He would also be cheering his fellow team mates on who have been training to get themselves ready to represent Singapore at the games.
Serving his NS in the Navy
According to the article, Schooling is currently serving his National Service in the Republic of Singapore Navy.
Image source: Joseph Isaac Schooling/Facebook