Apology can't save Heugill

Latest: Geoff Huegill pleads guilty to possessing cocaine

Olympic swimming medallist Geoff Heugill has apologised after allegedly being caught with cocaine at Randwick Racecourse on Saturday April 26. However, he has not admitted guilt, saying the case is before the courts.

AustSwim praised his efforts as national ambassador, but suspended his ambassadorship until the court case is resolved.

Heugill told reporters he realised the incident had caused some commotion, and that some people feel let down.

"I deeply apologise for that," he said. "But I would ask everyone to understand this matter is before the courts I won’t be making anymore other statements until the matter has been resolved."

Meanwhile, AustSwim CEO Gordon Mallet told news.com.au that Heugill had been suspended after 10 years' service as ambassador to allow natural justice to take place.

The highly popular and affable swimmer known as "Skippy" and his wife were charged by police after a search allegedly uncovered the illicit drug at the races. The reports say the police were directed to a private suite by security staff where the couple were watching the races.

Other reports in smh.com.au quoted an anonymous racegoer saying there were dozens of police interviewing many people in the exclusive Stables area.

The butterfly champion retired after the Athens Olympics but made a failed comeback attempt for London 2012, shedding 40kg in the attempt. He did make the Commonwealth Games team though, winning numerous medals at the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games and also the 2011 World Championships in Shanghai.

The couple will appear in Waverley Local Court on May 14.