After three weeks of silence, Rutger Smith spoke on Friday about the crisis hitting the Flemish athletics federation Atletiek Vlaanderen) during a consultation meeting with athletes organized in Ghent. The Dutchman, the high-level official behind the centralization of training in Ghent, complained of a “totally unjustified” manhunt.
Two weeks ago, a group of 22 athletics coaches in charge of high-level Flemish athletes signed a joint letter to the attention of the president of the federation, Gery Follens. They questioned the methods used by Rutger Smith, citing “intimidation” and “toxic leadership”.
“Of course I was shocked by this letter,” the high-level official admitted. “It is unfortunate that people are attacking the person, which is myself. It’s not nice and it’s completely unjustified. It is unfortunate that lies have been spread in the press. It was a personal attack. »
No question of resigning
Rutger Smith never thought about resigning. “On the one hand because I knew that what had been said was not true, and on the other hand because I received the support of the federation and the coaches of the Olympic medalists who did not sign the letter. They told me they had a different point of view,” he explained.
Smith also defended his compatriot Bram Peters, the new national 4×400 meters coach. “It is unfortunate that he had to start his new job in this way. I even find it ridiculous. » The coordinator, however, declared himself satisfied with the exchange with the athletes. “We were able to answer all questions except individual questions, which will be resolved during individual interviews in the coming months. »
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