Two years ago, Tokyo Olympic champion Nina Derwael defended her coaches against the gymnasts who spoke out against the abuse within Belgia...
Two years ago, Tokyo Olympic champion Nina Derwael defended her coaches against the gymnasts who spoke out against the abuse within Belgian gymnastics.
This week, she doubled down on her controversial opinion.
"I understand that if they had experienced it that way, I think it is their right to express it ," the 22 year old gymnast, who took part in the Flemish documentary television series 'Flemish documentary television series 'Het Huis' said.
"It could have been done in a completely different way so that we could have continued working at ease."
"Now they gave us the feeling that those girls were like, 'We didn't succeed, so we're going to make sure you don't succeed either because we want your coaches out," she stated.
"I am angry and will always be angry about it."
Aagje Vanwalleghem, whom Derwael admires, is one of the gymnasts who accused Derwael coaches of abuse.
"That touched me the most," Nina says. "I'm totally fine with them talking about their own experiences, but don't say anything about something you don't know anything about."
"None of those gymnasts who claimed it was still happening have been in that gym in the last 5 years."
"Those gymnasts haven't had any contact with any of us for the last 2 or 3 years."
The Belgian athlete went on to admit that her coaches have strict coaching methods.
"Have there been times when Marjorie and I have had shouting arguments with each other? Certainly."
"Have there been times when I've walked out of the room crying? Certainly."
"But afterwards that's the way it worked for me. That's how I got to where I am now. I'm very grateful to them for that."
During the last quad, Derawel became the first female Belgian gymnast to become an Olympic, World, and European champion. All of which were won on the uneven bars.
Photo by Claudia Oprea Photography
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