Japan’s top Olympic swimmer Daiya Seto has been suspended from competitions and official training until the end of the year as punishment for an affair exposed by a tabloid.
In September, Daiya Seto was caught on camera by a gossip magazine, which chronicled the married 26-year-old’s movements as he picked up his girlfriend, took her to a love hotel, then went to pick up his daughter from nursery.
Seto apologised for his irresponsible behaviour in a statement on Tuesday, saying he accepted the sanctions from the Japan Swimming Federation, which include events at home and abroad.
He will be allowed to take part in the Games next summer and can also practise in private, the swimming federation said.
Seto will also have to complete the Japan Olympic Committee’s integrity education programme among other courses, according to his management.
In a statement Seto said: “I intend to sincerely give my full attention to swimming… so that I may regain the trust of my family, whom I hurt deeply with my irresponsible behaviour, and regain the acceptance of my family as well as all of you as a swimmer.”
Japanese swimming officials told local media that Seto’s actions had violated the code of sportsmanship and harmed the honour of the federation.
