“You’re a goat, you suck, you’re good for nothing (…) When will you stop gaining weight? » This sentence, Clare Della Veda, a former member of the French gymnastics team, heard this from one of her coaches. In a report broadcast on the “Stade 2” program on Sunday 14 May, he denounced many insults he suffered, especially for his weight.
And she is not the only one to have testified on the France 2 sports programme. Six gymnasts have denounced, on camera or anonymously, mistreatment by their coaches, or other figures in the French Gymnastics Federation.
A senior official is also targeted
There are many cases of abuse. Like those suffered by the former gymnast now 26 years old, Valentino Sabatou. In the report, he explains being forced, at the age of 16, to participate in a rally despite a broken anklewhile the coach was ” aware “ of this injury.
The survey reports it the coach in question had been publicly denounced in 2007 for his methods in Switzerland, before joining the French team. He was also involved in 2019 by a Mexican gymnast.
But another person, manager of the French team for fifteen years, is also in the crosshairs of the abuses. In 2008, Small Marinawho was 15 at the time, he says he was slapped by her after attending a party celebrating Thomas Bouhail’s silver medal.
An investigation launched by the Minister of Sport
For the time being, the two people targeted by these testimonies they have not received any sanction, either criminal or disciplinary. France Télévisions did not reveal his identity and the coach defended himself by writing to the show. If he disputes the version of Valentine Sabatou’s injury, he admits to having said hurtful words.
After refusing to answer questions from France Télévisions, the president of the FFGym James Blateau he wrote Sunday evening in a statement to be taken “the full measure of the testimonies” and bring his own “full support for the victims”.
For his part, the Minister of Sport, Amélie Oudea-Casteraannounced this Sunday evening, May 14, the opening of an investigation.
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Source: Madmoizelle
Mary Crossley is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. She is a seasoned journalist who is dedicated to delivering the latest news to her readers. With a keen sense of what’s important, Mary covers a wide range of topics, from politics to lifestyle and everything in between.
