Relieved and happy. For example, gymnastics coach Nico Zijp of the Bossche club FlikFlak reacts to his acquittal of transgressive behaviour. Zijp was one of the gymnastics coaches who the prosecutor of the Institute for Sports Law (ISR) was investigating after complaints about mental and physical abuse of gymnasts.
Zijp was suspended by the ISR disciplinary committee in July 2021, but that ruling was overturned on appeal and Zijp was acquitted of all charges.
“A huge relief,” says the coach of the Eindhoven gymnast Tisha Volleman in the radio program De Zuidtribune of Omroep Brabant. “It really felt like a huge burden off my shoulders.”
“It was a bolt from the blue, because no fewer than 52 people made a positive statement about me at the ISR. I couldn’t believe the suspension and was really devastated for a few days.”
“Top athletes have to overcome many bumps and that also applies to coaches.”
“I’ve definitely considered giving up gymnastics, but the trust you get from your athletes and their parents makes you feel like you can get on with those people. And perhaps must. Without that confidence, I would have stopped immediately,” said Zijp.
“I’m not full of resentment, but I do have a feeling of waiting. See where trust can be regained so that we can continue to build together. That trust has now been lost for a while and must be rebuilt. That takes time. Anyway: top athletes have to overcome many hurdles and that also applies to coaches.”
ALSO READ: Gymnastics coach Zijp acquitted of transgressive behavior