Call for investigation into claims against judo coach
The sports minister has reacted to a series of allegations against a judo coach by athletes who say they were victims of inappropriate touching and sexual remarks, dating back 20 years
New witness
The allegations date back as far as 20 years and were brought by among others two-time Belgian champion Niki Heylen and Olympic bronze medallist Ann Simons (pictured in 2002), who spoke of “a culture of sexual intimidation” including inappropriate touching and sexual remarks. She said incidents were reported to the federation but no action was taken. “I’m amazed that the person who hurt me so is still active in top-class judo,” she said.
The federation has proposed a number of measures aimed at helping athletes become more assertive in order to resist intimidation, and will look into creating a contact point for victims. Sports minister Philippe Muyters welcomes the initiatives. “This has to be taken seriously,” he said, and called on the federation to provide him with regular briefings on progress on the issue.
Meanwhile, Open VLD politician Carina Van Cauter compared the situation of abuse in the sports world to secrecy in the Catholic church over sexual abuse by clergy. “In that case as well, bishops and congregations said they knew nothing about any allegations,” she said.
Photo: John Thys/Isosport/Belga
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