In it, the Belgian accused the national athletics union of intimidation, abuse and attempts to prevent her participation in large tournaments. “After I was called a liar a few days before my competition on National TV, just because I said what happened, I was relieved that the truth came out,” she writes.
Blackmail, threats and damage claims: reconstruction of the gigantic riot around Belgian athletics quantity Nafi Thiam (31) at the World Cup Athletics
“Leaked e-mails and messages within Belgian Athletics show that they did not want to take me in Tokyo and wanted to get me out of the selection. The only reason I was in Tokyo is thanks to the rapid actions of my lawyers,” said Thiam.
Bond Collectief Responsible
Thiam does not save anyone within the organization. “The people who did everything they could to prevent my participation in Tokyo are known, and I am concerned that they would still influence future selections and championships. But in the end Belgian Athletics as a whole has approved those decisions and so the Bond collectively bears responsibility.”
According to Thiam, it’s time for change. “I can’t emphasize enough how important change is now. The protection of athletes and their rights must be a priority. Where can an athlete go when he is intimidated or bullied by his own federation? Who protects them? No one. That is why so many people are afraid of talking. In an e-mail it even states that I had to” make a lesson “so that an example of me had to be done again”. They do not fold to the will of Belgian Athletics. This perfectly illustrates the current unsafe and toxic environment in which athletes and coaches have to function. ”
“What is needed are transparent rules and real responsibility. With competent, responsible people who are committed to protecting athletes instead of abusing their power,” said De Meerkampster.
Rutger Smith
One of the important figures within the union is Rutger Smith. Earlier, emails from Smith, the Dutch ex-shuffling butter who is active as a top sport coordinator. It stated, among other things: “If Thiam does not sign the code of conduct, we will not register her for the World Cup.”
Even politics in Belgium has already interfered with the case. “There is crystal clear of abuse of power here,” said Gwendolyn Rutten from the Open VLD party in a response to the leaked mail.