TOKYO (JAPAN) – A scandal over an extramarital affair has led to the suspension of four-time world champion Daiya Seto for one year for flouting the Japan Swimming Federation’s sportsmanlike conduct regulations. However, he will be able to take part in the Games next year in Tokyo.
The federation convened an extraordinary meeting late on Tuesday and handed down the punishment.
Seto is the world champion in the men’s 200 and 400m individual medley. After admitting to the affair, he resigned as skipper of Japan’s Olympic swimming team last month.
“How can I apologise? I have been asking myself if I can, but I think my apology is to continue swimming, restoring the trust of my family, who have been deeply hurt by my irresponsible behaviour,” he was quoted by the sports daily Hochi Sports as saying.
“I would like to seriously face swimming with the determination to start over so that my family and everyone will recognise me as a swimmer again. I’m really sorry,” said the champion who clinched bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
His reputation has been tarnished and Seto has agreed to cut all ties with his sponsor All Nippon Airways.