S'pore runner, 26, allegedly steals S$139 running shoes & S$25 training cones from Decathlon

The charges against Ko Wen Qiang, a 26-year-old Singaporean distance runner, have brought a national athlete into the spotlight for alleged criminal activity. His background includes representing Singapore at the 2023 World Athletics Road Running Championships and achieving second place in the 2024 Standard Chartered half marathon national championships. This public profile adds a layer of scrutiny to the allegations, as individuals in such positions are often held to higher standards of conduct.

Ko Wen Qiang

Ko Wen Qiang's athletic achievements and his role as an ambassador for a shoe brand underscore the unexpected nature of the charges. His Instagram profile, which was taken down on September 4, 2026, had previously highlighted his brand ambassadorship, suggesting a professional image that now stands in stark contrast to the theft allegations. The incident raises questions about the pressures faced by athletes and the potential repercussions for their personal and professional lives when such accusations surface.

His legal proceedings are ongoing, with a further mention hearing held on September 4 and another scheduled for October 2. The potential penalties for theft in a dwelling are severe, including a jail term of up to seven years and a fine, indicating the gravity with which such offenses are treated under Singaporean law. The outcome of these proceedings will undoubtedly have a significant impact on Ko's future, both within and outside the realm of professional sports.

Decathlon

The alleged thefts occurred at a Decathlon outlet in Kallang, a prominent sports retailer. The items in question—a pair of KD900X running shoes valued at S$139.90 and a set of training cones worth S$25—are relatively modest in value. However, the act of theft itself, regardless of the monetary amount, carries serious legal implications. For Decathlon, such incidents highlight the ongoing challenges retailers face with inventory security and the measures they must employ to deter and detect shoplifting.

The specific details of the alleged incidents, occurring in July and September 2025, suggest a pattern of behavior rather than a one-off mistake. This could be a factor considered during the legal process. The fact that the items were taken from the same outlet might also indicate a familiarity with the store's layout or security protocols, or simply a repeated opportunity.

Slovenia

Adding another dimension to the story is Ko Wen Qiang's reported time spent in Slovenia. According to The Straits Times, he had been based in Slovenia since late October 2025, working remotely as a business developer for companies in both Singapore and Slovenia. This international context provides insight into his life beyond athletics, suggesting a dual career path.

Furthermore, Ko had reportedly joined a training camp in the Slovenian city of Celje from May to July 2025, aiming to qualify for the marathon at the 2025 SEA Games. This period overlaps with the alleged theft of the running shoes in July 2025. The timeline raises questions about his movements and activities during the period of the alleged offenses, which could become relevant details in the ongoing court case.