The Dutch gymnastics association suspended Nico Zijp indefinitely on Tuesday. The trainer of Flik-Flak from Den Bosch is being investigated for possible transgressive behavior.
The Institute of Sports Justice (ISR) advised the gymnastics association to suspend Zijp until further notice, because several reports had been received about him. The KNGU decided to adopt that advice, although it does not mean that the coach is also guilty. That is what the current investigation must show.
“The measure means that Nico Zijp may not provide training as a club trainer for the duration of the investigation and any subsequent disciplinary proceedings, not even at the central location. In the interest of the investigation, he may also not have contact with -) members of the KNGU “, ISR writes in a statement.
Vincent Wevers is allowed to continue training as usual. The father and coach of Olympic champion Sanne Wevers, accused of mental and physical abuse, is not allowed to have any contact with former members of the KNGU in the interest of the investigation.
Gymnasts’ top sport program resumed in early September
Gymnastics has been under the magnifying glass worldwide for months after a series of revelations about mental and sometimes physical abuse by coaches, including in the Netherlands. The top sport program for women was therefore stopped at the end of July, but was resumed under certain conditions at the beginning of September.
Gymnasts have been allowed to train with a coach of their choice at a central location in Nijmegen for a number of weeks. The condition is that the ISR must grant approval for the chosen trainer. The institute does not do that at Zijp, which means that Tisha Volleman cannot work with her regular coach.
The gymnastics association also announced on Tuesday that from 21 July to 23 September, contact was sought 130 times with Centrum Veilig Sport Nederland or the confidential advisers of the KNGU. Most reports concern incidents prior to 2012.
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