EVEN as the Philippine Taekwondo Association slapped UST lady jin Esther Singson with a three-month for banned substance use, prior to the Southeast Asian Games, the University continued to give solid support to its beleaguered athlete.
The 20-year-old Thomasian had earlier admitted that she had been taking a slimming tea prior to the biennial multi-sports meet. Singson tested positive for diuretics, a banned substance usually found in slimming tea.
Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA) Regent Fr. Ermito de Sagon, O.P. believes that this was a case of “innocent ignorance.”
“It is just unfortunate, but as far as we are concerned she really did nothing wrong,” De Sagon said.
Only 72 hours from Singson’s women’s bantamweight conquest, the World Anti-doping Agency discovered that Singson failed the mandatory pre-event drug test, but it opted to withhold the information until a second test was conducted.
UST Tiger Jins head coach Dindo Simpao said the suspension can still be overruled if the SEA Games Federation Council (SEAGFC), which is still reviewing the case, decides not to suspend Singson.
“PTA gave the suspension to pre-empt the impending decision SEAGFC which will be issued anytime soon,” Simpao said.
If the SEAGFC slaps a longer suspension, Singson might not see action in the UAAP Season 69 taekwondo tournament, which will be held in the first semester for the first time.
“I respect the decision of the PTA,” IPEA athletics moderator Felix Silbor said. “I just hope Singson does not lose her enthusiasm for the sport, because her career does not end here.”
Singson, a vital cog in the national team, missed the Asian Championships last April 21-23 in Bangkok, Thailand. She will keep her spot in the RP team, but will be relieved by fellow SEAG campaigner Lorraine Catalan in upcoming competitions for the time being.
“What Singson did was unintentional,” Silbor said. “Nevertheless, I believe this incident serves as an example for others to be extra careful.” Jose Bimbo F. Santos
