Nafi Thiam Accuses Belgian Athletics Federation of Intimidation
Heptathlete Nafi Thiam has lashed out at Belgian Athletics in a sharp and very detailed statement on Instagram. The three-time Olympic champion accuses the Belgian athletics federation of intimidation and abuse of power, reports 24brussels.
Thiam’s conflict with the Belgian Athletics Federation escalated this summer after she refused to sign the federation’s code of conduct. This code outlines rules regarding athlete sponsorships during major championships, which Thiam contested due to her agreements with personal sponsors that differ from those endorsed by the federation.
In her Instagram statement, Thiam expressed, “That code of conduct was an attempt by the federation to portray me as a difficult athlete. In recent years, I have always had the support of Adeps (the French-speaking wing of the athletics federation). Their support and my personal sponsors enable me to prepare calmly and efficiently for my goals. Belgian Athletics is not my employer and does not contribute to the financing of my preparation and training.”
During the recent World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Thiam withdrew in disappointment after completing five of the seven heptathlon events. Her coach, Michael Van der Plaetsen, indicated earlier that the ongoing dispute affected her performance.
The issue gained attention on Wednesday during a session in the Flemish parliament led by Flemish Minister of Sport Annick De Ridder. She referenced various emails from the athletics federation suggesting attempts to exclude Thiam from the Tokyo Games.
“The people who did everything they could to prevent me from participating in Tokyo are known, and it worries me that they could still influence future selections and championships,” Thiam remarked. “But ultimately, it is Belgian Athletics as a whole that approves decisions, so the association bears collective responsibility.”
Thiam further emphasized the need for systemic change, stating, “I cannot emphasize enough how important change is at this moment. The protection of athletes and their rights must be a priority. Where can an athlete go if she is intimidated or bullied by her own federation? Who protects them? No one. That’s why so many athletes are afraid to speak out. They wanted to ‘teach me a lesson’ and ‘make an example of me.’ This shows once again what happens when athletes do not bow to the will of Belgian Athletics. It shows the current toxic working environment in which we have to function.”
In her conclusion, Thiam called for “transparent rules and real accountability, with capable people who are committed to protecting athletes rather than abusing their power,” seemingly implicating elite sport coordinator Rutger Smith.
Heptathlete Nafi Thiam © PHOTO Martin BERNETTI / AFP
