Athletics Flanders chair resigns following months of turmoil
After months of controversy and internal upheaval, Gery Follens has announced his resignation as chairman of Athletics Flanders. The decision follows a series of crises within the federation, including a high-profile dispute with a Belgian Olympic champion and allegations of misconduct within the athletics community.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Athletics Flanders confirmed Follens’ departure, noting that a spokesperson for the board of directors will be appointed shortly and that a general meeting will be convened to address the resignation. A procedure for electing a new chairman will also begin, with the new appointee set to lead alongside Sofie Debaere, who will soon take over as general manager.
Follens cites strain on health and well-being
“For decades, I have dedicated myself passionately to our wonderful sport,” said Follens in the press release. “In recent months, however, I noticed the impact of the chairmanship weighing heavily on those around me, but also on my own physical and mental well-being. Hence my decision to step down as chairman.” He added his thanks to the athletes, coaches, staff, clubs and volunteers who had supported him throughout his tenure, affirming that he remains “passionately committed to athletics.”
General Director Ludwig Peetroons expressed appreciation for Follens’ years of service. “The demands of a broad sports programme for some 30,000 members and a top-level sports programme with medal ambitions cannot be underestimated. Our work is only possible thanks to the dedication and passion of people like Gery, and with him, hundreds of others within the federation and the clubs.”
Nafi Thiam dispute and other allegations
However, the resignation comes against the backdrop of significant unrest. The recent World Championships in Tokyo were overshadowed by the dispute involving three-time Olympic champion Nafi Thiam, who refused to sign Belgian Athletics’ code of conduct due to conflicting sponsorship agreements. The row took a heavy emotional toll on Thiam, who withdrew from the heptathlon and later criticised the federation’s handling of the situation. The controversy sparked further tension between Athletics Flanders and its French-speaking counterpart, the LBFA.
At the same time, former athlete Hanne Maudens alleged years of abuse by her ex-coach, “a top figure in Belgian athletics,” accusing the federation of attempting to cover up the case. Follens stated that the complaint had been passed on to the independent public prosecutor’s office, which determined that there was insufficient evidence for disciplinary or legal proceedings.
Political reaction: “A justified decision”
Bart Van Opstal of Vlaams Belang, chair of the Sports Committee in the Flemish Parliament, described Follens’ departure as “a justified decision.” “There are financial problems within Athletics Flanders, there is the forced centralisation that is not being tolerated, there is the Thiam affair, there has apparently been years of unacceptable behaviour within Athletics Flanders, there is apparently a culture of fear, and numerous long-distance runners have turned their backs on the organisation,” he said. “No matter how much effort you put into it, the decision to step aside is justified.”
Van Opstal added that he regretted losing the opportunity to question Follens during upcoming parliamentary hearings. “I would have loved to question him,” he said.
#FlandersNewsService | Belgian Team coach Rik Didden and Atletiek Vlaanderen chairman Gery Follens are seen at the training the day before of the European cross country running championships event in Antalya, Turkey, Saturday 07 December 2024. © BELGA PHOTO JASPER JACOBS
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