Scrutiny On Selection

False submission for fin swimmers shines light on sport bodies, duty and integrity

- Melvyn Teoh

The Singapore Underwater Federation (SUF) submitted falsified results for the women's 4x200m relay surface event during the selection for the 2023 SEA Games, said Sport Singapore (SportSG) and the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) in a joint statement on March 19.

A committee of inquiry (COI) was convened by the two organisations on July 1, 2024, to investigate allegations that the SUF had submitted falsified results for the relay team. The COI concluded its investigations in February.

A police report was lodged on March 18 and the Singapore Police Force confirmed that investigations are ongoing.

The committee was chaired by Lau Kok Keng, a partner at law firm Rajah & Tann and SNOC executive committee member, and comprised members from SNOC and SportSG.

In 2023, Singapore sent 11 fin swimmers to the Cambodia Games, including the relay team comprising Bernice Ting, Jovita Ho, Jamie Ang and Vanessa Ong. They finished last out of four in the women's 4x200m surface relay final.

Fin swimming is an underwater sport involving swimming on the water's surface or underwater using either monofins or bi-fins.

The SUF oversees all underwater sport and activities and competitions in Singapore. These include disciplines such as fin swimming, underwater hockey, freediving, scuba diving and snorkelling.