Former Dutch gymnasts Stasja Köhler and Simone Heitinga, now in their 30s, wrote a book called de onvrije oefening detailing the abusive training methods they endured as elite gymnasts.
The coaches accused are Gerrit Beltman and Frank Louter.
Review:
“Heitinga and Köhler relive their negative experience and harsh training conditions, set by their coach Gerrit Beltman …
… involves the whole set of experiences in their journey to become a top gymnast. A mixture of anxiety and loneliness …
… Utilizing their anxieties, ambition and loyalties, he completely shields the two young girls systematically in a psychological trap they cannot escape, nor let anyone help them. …
At the end of the book, a number of statements from ex-top gymnasts (such as Suzanne Harmes, Renske Endel and Danila Koster) and parents also share their experiences.
… In an official statement in the TV-show “Brandpunt”, Beltman apologized for his behavior and his training methods in his early years as a young trainer.
read more on GymPOWER
Several editors and followers of GymPOWER read the book and drew the same conclusion: this book has to be read by the entire, global, gymnastics community. … It is an absolute eye-opener and it makes you aware on how you should be on your guard, whether you are a coach, parent, manager, supervisor, paramedic, judge, gymnast or athlete.
I am hopeful of seeing translation into other languages.
The Royal Dutch Gymnastics Federation have reportedly made steps to ensure a better and safe training environment for child athletes.


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