Dutch Gymnastics Federation Investigating Abuse Allegations of Women’s Training Program

“But in the interests of the sport and credibility of our top sport program, it is necessary,” he said.

“We are going to discuss with clubs and trainers affected about what exactly this means for them.”

The Dutch gymnastics federation announced its investigation last week.

It's not the first to take action.

Earlier this month, British Gymnastics CEO Jane Allen announced an independent review of claims of mistreatment in the sport in Britain.

In Belgium, the Flemish gymnastics federation set up an ethics commission to look into allegations of abuse.

“Gymfed acknowledges that things have gone wrong in top sport coaching and deeply regrets that some athletes still have negative experiences,” the Flemish federation said in a statement Tuesday.

The Flemish federation said it has made “significant efforts” since 2016 to develop a more respectful collaboration between athletes and coaches.

Some gymnasts said serious problems remain, and highly successful French coaches Yves Kieffer and Marjorie Heuls have faced bullying accusations.

They have denied any wrongdoing and received support from double world champion Nina Derwael.

“I can say without hesitation that I can practice gymnastics in a healthy climate of high-level sport,” said Nina Derwael, who trains under their guidance. 

(Writers: Mike Corder, Sam Petrequin) 

Source: https://apnews.com/295babeebe954dad10e8fd28689a92ad